Connecticut Groups Demand FISA Reforms

0:00It's April 16. You're listening to Hartford News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Cory with the story. Over a dozen grassroots groups in Connecticut just fired off a letter to the state's all-democratic congressional crew, demanding reforms before they. Renews Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. That law lets the government spy on foreigners abroad without warrants, mainly for counterterrorism, but it scoops up American's data too. It expires April 20 unless Congress acts fast this week. The push comes amid bipartisan worries over privacy and Fourth Amendment rights, especially amped up now with Trump back in charge. Critics want warrants for any U.S. info grab incidentally, plus a fix for the data broker loophole where the feds buy up location histories and, such from private sellers, dodging rules against bulk collection. Local outfits like indivisible chapters make the road Connecticut and sunrise New Haven signed on, echoing over 100 national groups.

1:03They called out reps like Jim Himes, the top dem on the House Intelligence Committee, for backing last year's two-year extension without closing that loophole. Most of Connecticut's delegation voted yes then, though Senator Chris Murphy said no. Himes is now pitching a short-term extension to buy time for tweaks, saying the broker issue isn't even part of 702. Reprosa de Laurel still mulling her stance, balancing security and citizen privacy against Trump era overreach. House Republicans want to clean 18-month renewal, but their slim majority means they might need them help or tack on changes. With the House back Tuesday night and a vote possibly Wednesday, pressures building on Dems to leverage for reforms before the program's lapse. Despite testing old divides, but folks back home are making it clear, no more warrantless mass surveillance.