Even though 57 Senators joined with 338 Members of the House from both parties to vote for surveillance reform that could have protected national security, strengthened civil liberties and bolstered trust in the Internet, the Senate disappointedly voted last night to not proceed on consideration of the USA Freedom Act.
As the Senate plots a path forward on the issue, we urge it to consider that there remains bipartisan consensus – and significant sentiment from constituents across the United States – that it is time to address the practices and laws regulating government surveillance of individuals and access to their information. It is essential that any proposals in this area be narrowly tailored, contain essential transparency requirements, and prohibit bulk collection of Internet metadata.
The Senate’s failure to act only makes it more critical that Congress address surveillance reform in the future. We will continue to work with Congress, the Administration, the intelligence community, and civil society to ensure that meaningful reforms that protect national security and individual rights are achieved.