April 22, 2024–Statement by Shana-Tara O’Toole, Founder and President of Due Process Institute, on the United States Senate’s passage of Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act without amendment:
“We are dismayed by the Senate’s passage, without amendment, of the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA) over the weekend. This legislation not only reauthorizes FISA Section 702 and enables intelligence agencies to continue mass warrantless surveillance, it expands the power of the surveillance state by giving the government authority to compel assistance from the vast majority of US businesses for domestic spying. This bill’s passage was, in large part, made possible by fear tactics and outright falsities about the April 19 deadline. The biggest losers of this vote are unfortunately the American people who will continue to be subjected to warrantless searches of their personal communications.
While we cannot hide our disappointment over the passage of RISAA and the ramifications for privacy are severe, we want to thank those Senators who championed the Constitution and the Fourth Amendment, including: Chairman Durbin and Senators Lee, Paul, and Wyden. Furthermore, the momentum built by our coalition of civil liberties organizations cannot be ignored as illustrated by this week’s passage of the Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act in the House. The next FISA reauthorization is two years away, during which we will continue to fight for your privacy rights.”