Rep. Nadler Stands Against Flawed White House FISA Bill

Rejects Administration’s Tactics of Fear and Division

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today opposed the White House’s proposal to drastically alter the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, saying it gives unnecessary license for the Administration to wiretap Americans without court supervision. 

“The White House bill is a dangerous and ill-considered piece of legislation,” said Rep. Nadler. “Sadly, Congress has been stampeded by fear-mongering and deception into signing away our rights. With the President set to sign this bill into law, I do not believe we will soon be able to undo this damage. Rights given away are not easily regained. Even before this bill sunsets, I urge my colleagues to fix the problems with this bill and stand for the freedoms that define America.”

The Administration bill passed in the Senate on Friday and then the House today. Rep. Nadler noted that on Friday, the House voted 218 to 207 in favor of a more measured proposal that met the all the national security requirements laid out by the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). 

“The House bill we considered yesterday did everything the DNI said was necessary for national security, while at the same time protecting civil liberties,” Rep. Nadler added. “Unsurprisingly, the White House rejected that compromise agreement to score political points. The White House’s actions were not about national security -- it was political warfare, pure and simple.”

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