October 25, 2017

Wyden Votes Against Intelligence Committee Spying Bill

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement after voting ‘no’ on the Senate Intelligence Committee bill to reauthorize the powerful spying authority known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act:

“I voted against the Intelligence Committee bill because it does not include the reforms needed for the government to go after foreign threats while protecting the rights of law-abiding Americans.  If Section 702 is to be reauthorized, it needs the reforms included in the bipartisan USA Rights Act introduced today.  It is time for an open debate so that the American people can see their representatives debate these authorities and reforms in the light of day.”

Wyden, with Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and a total of 14 senators, yesterday introduced the USA RIGHTS Act to protect Americans’ liberties, while giving intelligence agencies the tools they need target foreign threats. Learn more here.