Advancing Justice – AAJC Denounces Reauthorization of Section 702 of FISA and Passage of Ineffectual Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act Bill
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Washington D.C. — Today the House of Representatives made the unsettling decision to pass the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA), H.R. 7888, a bill that reauthorizes Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (also known as “Section 702”). This decision by the House not only maintains but significantly expands the scope of warrantless surveillance and is a direct threat to the privacy and civil liberties of Asian Americans and all Americans.
John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC) issues the following statement in response to the House vote:
“Advancing Justice – AAJC is deeply disappointed by the reauthorization of Section 702 and the passage of the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, as the bill squanders a once in a generation opportunity to provide meaningful reform to government surveillance. While the bill is touted as a so-called ‘reform,’ it fundamentally lacks substantial protections and continues to endorse practices under which serious abuses have occurred, especially for communities of color. Instead, the House continues to expand the government’s surveillance capabilities without implementing a necessary warrant requirement that would help to safeguard American citizens.
“By voting to pass this bill, the House is endorsing ongoing violations of Americans’ civil rights and liberties by intelligence agencies.
“RISAA is a bill that fails to protect the privacy rights of Americans and further expands the government’s ability to conduct warrantless surveillance. This move by the House jeopardizes the very principles of fairness and equality we stand for, particularly when it comes to the treatment of the Asian American community. Advancing Justice – AAJC's commitment to fighting for comprehensive surveillance reform and protecting civil liberties remains steadfast and more urgent.
“The current trajectory of national security measures pose serious threats to the foundations of our democracy. We urge the Senate to reject this harmful bill.”