Skip to main content

Rep. Lofgren Denounces DOJ Court Request to Extend FISA Section 702

 

WASHINGTON, DC – On Thursday, February 29 U.S. Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren denounced the Department of Justice's request for a year-long extension of government surveillance powers under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), despite the statute's expiration in less than 2 months.


 


“For too long, federal intelligence and law enforcement agencies have had nearly unchecked access to Americans’ personal data. A broad bipartisan coalition from across the political spectrum agrees that we should not greenlight another major surveillance reauthorization without carefully considering and enacting surveillance reform measures. In 2022 alone, the FBI used Section 702 over 200,000 times to unlawfully access Americans' data without a warrant. These searches unjustly targeted innocent individuals, including a Member of Congress, individuals protesting after the police killing of George Floyd, visitors to FBI offices, and individuals based solely on their race.


 


“The House Judiciary Committee has overwhelmingly passed the Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act with strong bipartisan support, a bill inspired by my Government Surveillance Reform Act. This legislation aims to significantly reduce surveillance overreach and safeguard Americans’ civil liberties without compromising national security.


 


“It is extraordinary that, despite broad support for substantial reform, the Department of Justice is discreetly attempting to bypass the legislative process to secure another surveillance reauthorization. This is unacceptable, and completely undermines the authority of the Congress. I urge Speaker Johnson to instead bring the Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act to the House floor for a vote.”

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Monterey County DA Releases Preliminary Information Concerning an Officer Involved Shooting Incident that Occurred Outside of Soledad on December 16

  SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni on December 19 released preliminary information concerning the officer involved shooting (OIS) which occurred at about 1:20 a.m. outside the city of Soledad on December 16, 2025. Just before 1:00 a.m., Monterey County Sheriff’s Deputy Carlos Pina, who has been a peace officer for 10 years all with MCSO, and Deputy Blain Councilman, each in separate patrol cars, were dispatched to 32097 McCoy Road. A resident at the farm labor camp reported a suspicious individual with a handgun whose white Honda 4 door sedan was parked in space 18 at the complex. Before parking there, the suspect drove around and around, stopped in front of the reporting party’s (RP’s) truck, and got out. The RP could hear music. Deputy Pina drove the lead patrol car and arrived just after 1:20 a.m. His dashcam video, which does not record sound but which he installed on his own and at his own expense, depicts the following: He drove down ...

King City City Council Announces Selection of José Arreola as New City Manager

  January 7, 2025-Following an extensive recruitment process, José Arreola has been selected by the King City City Council to be its next City Manager. Arreola will replace Steve Adams, who is retiring after serving in the position for the past 10 years. Arreola was selected from 31 applicants and 8 finalists for the position. The King City City Council will formally consider the proposed city manager contract at its meeting on Tuesday night, January 13. Arreola's first day on the job is scheduled to be February 23.    José Arreola has a distinguished career of serving the community with a particular commitment to youth. He has worked for the City of Salinas for 12 years as their Community Safety Program Manager, Community Safety Administrator and Assistant to the City Manager. Among other responsibilities, Arreola has led several programs to eliminate gang violence which aligns well with the City of King’s efforts and priorities. Prior to that, Arreola worked as an Educa...

King City CHP is searching for person of interest who fled the scene of a fatal crash in Greenfield

On Monday, September 16 at approximately 3:50 pm, a fatal traffic collision occurred on Metz Road south of Elm Avenue in Greenfield.  The driver who caused the collision fled on foot and is currently outstanding.  The California Highway Patrol King City Area is currently seeking the whereabouts of 31-year-old Agustin Santana-Moncada of King City who has been identified as a person of interest in the case.  The King City Area is requesting assistance from the public in locating Santana-Moncada.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the King City Area office at (831) 385-3216.