General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsACLU Optimistic on Administration’s NSA Reform Plan, Opposes New House Bill
WASHINGTON The Obama administration will propose ending the NSAs mass collection of phone records, instead requesting them from phone companies on an individual, court-approved basis. The companies would not be required to retain records longer than they already do.
Also today, the leaders of the House Intelligence Committee announced a bipartisan bill that would change the way the government obtains phone records. The legislation would allow the FBI to get them directly from phone companies, but without any specific court approval.
Michelle Richardson, legislative counsel with the American Civil Liberties Union, had this reaction:
The presidents reported plan to end the bulk collection of phone records is a crucial first step towards reining in the NSAs overreaching surveillance. The change would replace the dragnet surveillance of millions of innocent people with targeted methods that are both effective and respect Americans constitutional rights. It is critical that the administration also end other bulk collection programs.
The House Intelligence Committee, however, is on the wrong track once again. Its new bill uses reform momentum as a pretext for expanding government power. The bills modest improvements to the phone records program are not worth demolishing the important judicial role in overseeing these programs. The best bill weve seen so far to fix the NSA is the bipartisan USA Freedom Act.
The administration will reportedly propose legislation to implement its plan. The House bill is sponsored by Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan, the committee chairman, and Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger of Maryland, the ranking Democrat.
https://www.aclu.org/national-security/aclu-optimistic-administrations-nsa-reform-plan-opposes-new-house-bill
Anyone who believes this problem is going to be solved without legislation is kidding themselves. The problems run deep, and Congress is all too ready to continue it. Reform needs the force of law behind it, and there are strong proposals that would reform the NSA.
Leahy
S.1215: FISA Accountability and Privacy Protection Act of 2013
The FISA Accountability and Privacy Protection Act of 2013
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023135750
Merkley-Lee
S.1130: Ending Secret Law Act
To require the Attorney General to disclose each decision, order, or opinion of a Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court that includes significant legal interpretation of section 501 or 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 unless such disclosure is not in the national security interest of the United States and for other purposes.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10022993363
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)and Congress doesn't seem to have problems with it either, and Justice Roberts' FISA courts rubber stamp anything, in secret, do you have any thoughts on how we'll know if Operation Spy On Everyone is really getting peeled back?
ProSense
(116,464 posts)"Since the Executive is totally cool with lying to Americans, and Congress doesn't seem to have problems with it either, and Justice Roberts' FISA courts rubber stamp anything, in secret, do you have any thoughts on how we'll know if Operation Spy On Everyone is really getting peeled back?"
...we're doomed. McCain 2008!!!
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)ProSense
(116,464 posts)Want my suggestions? Read the OP.
I'd be interested to hear your "serious" suggestions.
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)That would be a suitable opening effort to restore honesty and the rule of law.
ProSense
(116,464 posts)That would have absolutely no bearing on reforming the NSA.
Also, explain how such an indictment would come about? Is Congress pursuing Clapper for contempt? Has Congress pressed the DOJ to indict Clapper for lying?
Now, what are your suggestions for reforming the NSA.
MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)Unless honesty and the rule of law are the order of the day.
Obama should immediately fire Clapper for lying to Congress, and Congress should push charges.
ProSense
(116,464 posts)"The problem is that we have no idea if the NSA is actually being reformed"
You seem to want to engage in vague nonsense about having "no idea."
What are your suggestions?
JoePhilly
(27,787 posts)MannyGoldstein
(34,589 posts)JoePhilly
(27,787 posts)Response to JoePhilly (Reply #8)
JoePhilly This message was self-deleted by its author.