Tampa Republic

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Laurel Lee (R-FL) introduced the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America (RISA) Act, which aims to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for five years with significant reforms. The legislation, if passed, will enhance accountability, transparency, and reporting measures to ensure robust oversight of the intelligence community and its use of FISA authorities.

In a statement, Rep. Laurel Lee emphasized the importance of FISA as a tool to protect national security threats both within the United States and abroad. She stated, "FISA is an indispensable tool that protects us from national security threats within the United States and abroad. The RISA Act will bring meaningful change to surveillance operations that protect us against adversarial threats while safeguarding our civil liberties. This bill also increases transparency in surveillance applications and will hold government employees accountable who violate the authorities in FISA."

The RISA Act includes several key provisions to address concerns and strengthen the effectiveness of FISA. Firstly, the bill will require the Attorney General to implement procedures that ensure accuracy and completeness in any FISA application. This measure aims to prevent any potential abuse or misuse of surveillance authorities.

Additionally, the RISA Act proposes new and heightened penalties for those who violate the authorities granted in FISA. By imposing stricter consequences for non-compliance, the legislation aims to deter any misconduct and ensure the appropriate use of surveillance powers.

Furthermore, the RISA Act introduces significant reporting and transparency requirements. These provisions will allow Congress to conduct proper oversight of the intelligence community. By enhancing the flow of information, lawmakers will be equipped with the necessary tools to evaluate the effectiveness and legality of FISA operations.

Rep. Laurel Lee has been actively involved in various working groups on FISA reform, demonstrating her commitment to strengthening the legislation. Her efforts extend beyond the introduction of the RISA Act, as she has also played a role in the House Judiciary Committee's work on this matter.

The RISA Act represents a crucial step towards reforming FISA and ensuring that it strikes the right balance between national security and civil liberties. With its emphasis on accountability, transparency, and reporting measures, the legislation aims to bolster public trust in the intelligence community and its use of surveillance authorities.

To learn more about the specific provisions of the RISA Act, the full bill text can be accessed here.