CIA Director argues warrantless FISA surveillance needed to stop fentanyl

“Section 702 is an essential tool in CIA’s mission to protect the American people from a range of threats."

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The Biden administration is making a concerted effort to support the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) before the House votes on Friday. 

CIA Director Bill Burns, in a rare public statement to Politico about how the agency uses these surveillance powers, highlighted the importance of FISA's authority, particularly in combating the illegal shipment of fentanyl into the US.

“The threat to the US posed by fentanyl and other synthetic opioids is real,” Burns said in his statement to Politico. “Section 702 is an essential tool in CIA’s mission to protect the American people from a range of threats, including illicit fentanyl trafficking. Without this vital program, CIA simply would not be able to defend our country as effectively in as many dangerous corners of the world.”

The White House has echoed Burns' sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of the reauthorization bill in national security efforts. National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby emphasized the administration's strong support for the bipartisan effort to reauthorize Section 702, claiming it is critical to national security.

“Obviously we strongly support the bipartisan effort to get 702 reauthorized,” said national security communications advisor John Kirby. “It is vital to our ability to defend ourselves, defend … the American people, and we very much want to see it move forward — get extended and move forward.”

Section 702 of FISA is set to expire on April 19. The section allows US government officials to collect electronic communications without a warrant. 

Earlier this week former President Donald Trump urged Republican lawmakers to vote against efforts to reauthorize section 702. In a post on Truth Social, the presidential candidate demanded that lawmakers “Kill FISA,” further stating that the surveillance act was used against him to spy on his campaign.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Sign in to comment

Comments

Powered by The Post Millennial CMS™ Comments

Join and support independent free thinkers!

We’re independent and can’t be cancelled. The establishment media is increasingly dedicated to divisive cancel culture, corporate wokeism, and political correctness, all while covering up corruption from the corridors of power. The need for fact-based journalism and thoughtful analysis has never been greater. When you support The Post Millennial, you support freedom of the press at a time when it's under direct attack. Join the ranks of independent, free thinkers by supporting us today for as little as $1.

Support The Post Millennial

Remind me next month

To find out what personal data we collect and how we use it, please visit our Privacy Policy

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
ADVERTISEMENT
© 2024 The Post Millennial, Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell My Personal Information