May 13, 2015

Wyden Statement on House Passage of USA Freedom Act

Washington, D.C. – Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the USA Freedom Act by a 338 to 88 vote:

“Today, the House of Representatives took an important step for protecting the privacy of Americans by voting to end the bulk collection of millions of Americans’ personal information under Section 215 of the Patriot Act. I am also encouraged that the version of the USA Freedom Act passed today increases transparency and improves the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court process. 

“I am working with Senate colleagues to pass additional reforms, particularly ending the warrantless backdoor searches of Americans' personal electronic communications under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. And I have made it clear I will fight any effort to extend mass surveillance of Americans’ records through a straight renewal of the Patriot Act – even a short-term one.

“Supporters of dragnet surveillance are fighting to preserve the status quo, but the American public is rightfully demanding a change. It is time for mass surveillance to end, and I will filibuster any attempt to extend this illegal surveillance, which violates core American rights without making our country any safer. 

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