Rep. Menefee Votes Against FISA That Targets Black and Brown Communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Rep. Christian D. Menefee voted against S. 1318, the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, legislation that would extend the federal government’s surveillance authority under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the bill passed 235-191.

The measure allows the government to collect the communications of noncitizens located outside the United States without a warrant but, in practice, it can also sweep in communications involving Americans who are in contact with those individuals. Under current law, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may search Americans’ communications gathered through the program without first obtaining a warrant.

“Every American should be concerned by this vote,” said Rep. Menefee. “It may sound like a Washington issue, but it reaches into communities all across this country. For decades, surveillance powers granted in the name of security have disproportionately targeted Black and Brown communities, often without meaningful oversight or accountability. I won’t let this Administration have more unchecked power to spy on Americans.

We needed real FISA reform, including stronger Fourth Amendment protections. Ignoring American’s constitutional rights crosses a dangerous line and puts the freedoms of every American at risk.”