Greenville Reporter

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., voiced his support for H.R. 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, which aims to reauthorize FISA Section 702 while implementing crucial reforms to address surveillance abuse. In a statement, Congressman Murphy emphasized the importance of balancing national security with privacy rights, stating, "Protecting our nation’s security while preserving Americans’ constitutional right to privacy is an intricate and consequential task.”

The legislation includes 56 key reforms aimed at maintaining national security and addressing recent abuses by the Intelligence Community. Congressman Murphy highlighted the need to address privacy concerns while ensuring the effectiveness of intelligence agencies and law enforcement in keeping American citizens safe. He noted, "We must carefully address privacy concerns while enabling our intelligence agencies and law enforcement to effectively keep American citizens safe."

Among the provisions of the bill are measures to prevent FBI querying abuses, enhance penalties for FISA violations, and increase transparency of the FISA Court. Congressman Murphy supported several key amendments to the bill while opposing others based on their potential impact on national security and intelligence operations.

One of the amendments supported by Congressman Murphy aimed to crack down on international drug traffickers by enabling the targeting of foreign narco-traffickers to combat the flow of deadly narcotics into the country. Another supported amendment focused on improving the screening and vetting of foreign individuals for links to terrorism or espionage.

In contrast, Congressman Murphy opposed amendments that could jeopardize national security by undermining intelligence operations or increasing the risk of damaging leaks. He emphasized the need to strike a balance between transparency and safeguarding sensitive intelligence information.

As the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act moves forward, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., continues to advocate for measures that strengthen national security while upholding the privacy rights of American citizens.