Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to reauthorizing FISA section 702 without meaningful reform.

At a time when the Trump administration is building a sweeping surveillance apparatus, trampling civil rights, and disregarding the rule of law, Congress should be strengthening oversight, not rubberstamping warrantless surveillance.

If the government wants to search an American's private communications, it must get a warrant. That is what the Constitution requires, and it is what the American people demand.

Once again, our Speaker is trying to block debate and deny a vote on a warrant requirement. Instead, we are trying to jam through another extension of warrantless surveillance without meaningful reforms.

I have opposed this abuse under both Republican and Democratic administrations, and I oppose it today.

Congress should reject this bill and take up meaningful reform, including my bipartisan Government Surveillance Reform Act, introduced with Representative Davidson, along with Senator Wyden and Senator Lee in the other body.

We do not have to choose between national security and constitutional rights. That is a false choice. We can protect the country and protect Americans' constitutional right to privacy. Congress should do both.

Mr. Speaker, oppose this bill so we can get meaningful reform.

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