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.
