WASHINGTON, DC - Senator James Lankford (R-OK) today issued a statement after the Senate voted to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: “Our open southern border has allowed in millions of people from around the world. Without this authority, we cannot investigate if a foreign terror organization is preparing another attack on Americans from one of the many people already on US soil.
The United States is a constant target for terrorists, and nearly every day, our intelligence community stops an attack before it happens. Section 702 focuses on foreign nationals in foreign countries who wish harm to our country while ensuring that US citizens’ civil liberties are protected. This bill includes major reforms to make sure the 702 authority is not used to spy on Americans.
Congress reauthorizing 702 gives our intelligence community the tools they need to keep Americans safe. We should not ignore the obvious threats we face each day.”
Lankford is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
