During America’s founding, citizens didn’t fight merely over taxes. They fought for freedom, fearing government promises of security at the cost of rights. The founders rejected living under oppressive rule.

The original government overreach included spies and unwarranted searches. Today, similar issues arise with some government officials placing personal interests above public liberty.

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) was initially designed to counter foreign threats. Over time, it has morphed into a tool for domestic surveillance. FISA now captures American communications through secret courts, undermining the Fourth Amendment.

A court revealed thousands of unauthorized FBI searches in a foreign intelligence database. The American Revolution’s spirit echoes today with the call, “Don’t Spy on Me.”

Congress Faces FISA Decision

On June 12, Congress must decide on renewing Section 702 of FISA. Intelligence agencies want an unchanged reauthorization, but citizens expect protection of liberties. House and Senate members are urging reforms as the path to an extension.

This stance prioritizes freedom over unchecked power, not national security.

Necessary Reforms

The term “electronic communication service provider” saw expansion, affecting regular Americans. Originally aimed at one company, the language now mandates U.S. businesses to hand over communications. This includes local stores, community centers, and churches, enhancing the scope for potential abuse.

Former Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner acknowledged the problem. However, Congress has yet to implement necessary changes.

It’s also essential to address FISA’s secrecy that keeps abuses hidden. Federal prosecutors impose gag orders, masking the extent of operations. The “NDO Fairness Act” proposes judicial review and time limits on these orders. Citizens have a right to know when their data is targeted.

Moreover, agencies buying data from brokers circumvent constitutional safeguards. This includes location data and browsing history. Government officials must obtain warrants from courts, ensuring privacy rights.

Addressing Backdoor Queries

The most significant issue lies in warrantless “backdoor” queries of national data. In 2021, under the Biden administration, nearly three million such searches occurred, many improperly, without accountability.

While monitoring foreign threats is vital, searches of U.S. data should meet probable cause standards and require warrants, with exceptions for imminent dangers.

Technology may evolve, but constitutional principles don’t. Just as the 18th-century mail required warrants, so should emails and smartphones today. Adapting to change, Congress must deny another automatic renewal. The message is clear, and citizens demand action.

Senator Rick Scott, a Florida senator and former governor, joins Representatives Keith Self and Andy Harris in calling for these reforms.