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Washington, D.C. - Howard Berman joined Congressman Adam Schiff today in introducing legislation to address the NSA’s warrantless surveillance of Americans on American soil.
“When Congress passed FISA and Title III, it intended to provide the sole authority for surveillance of Americans on American soil,” said Schiff. “Those acts require the Administration to seek court approval for such surveillance. If there is any doubt as to that fact, let us remove it.”
“The FISA court has proved capable of acting expeditiously when urgency requires quick action,” added Berman. “If the Administration is not satisfied with FISA, let it come to Congress and make the case for an amendment.”
The bill, the NSA OVERSIGHT ACT, would:
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Reiterate Current FISA and Wiretap Laws - states that FISA and the federal criminal wiretap statutes shall continue to be the exclusive means by which domestic electronic surveillance may be conducted.Clarify Military Force Statute - makes clear that the Authorization to Use Military Force (AUMF), passed days after the September 11th attacks, does not contain any exception to that rule.
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Require Congressional Action - makes clear that the above-mentioned laws apply unless Congress amends the laws or passes additional laws regarding electronic surveillance.
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Report on the Extent of the Wiretapping Program - requires the President to disclose to Congress information about U.S. persons who have been the subject of any such electronic surveillance.
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