South Lake Today

Washington, D.C. — Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, emphasized the significance of protecting American citizens' personal liberties in a recent statement regarding H.R. 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act.

"Safeguarding American citizens’ personal liberty is one of my priorities. I’ve been a consistent voice that Congress must institute strong safeguards on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) program," stated Webster.

He highlighted the reforms within the bill, stating, "This bill includes numerous reforms that ends FISA as we’ve known it and imposes criminal penalties on FBI agents. These are critical steps in the right direction."

Expressing his disappointment, Webster mentioned, "I’m very disappointed that the amendment I supported, which required the FBI to get a warrant, failed due to a tie vote." He emphasized the need for continued work and enforcement of these reforms, stating, "There is more work to be done and enforcement of these reforms is vital."

Webster also pointed out a key aspect of the legislation, stating, "Most importantly, this bill sunsets FISA in two years, and I’m confident that under a Trump Administration further reforms to this program can be made to protect American’s civil liberties."

The Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act brings about significant changes to FISA, including closing the Carter Page loophole, prohibiting the use of political oppo-research or news articles to obtain a FISA order, appointing an independent lawyer at the FISA Court, creating criminal penalties for leaking FISA applications, and requiring an annual report to Congress on FBI disciplinary actions related to FISA query violations.