Ciscomani Releases Statement on Vote to Reform FISA

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) released the following statement following the House's vote on H.R. 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, which he supported.

"Over the last several years, Americans have seen serious abuses and weaponizations of the federal government, specifically within the FBI. In a country built on individual liberty and “innocent until proven guilty”, these egregious actions are unacceptable. Sadly, the perpetrators wrongly hid behind FISA. Since it’s reauthorization under President Trump in 2018, it’s become clear that serious changes are needed to this policy and House Republicans stepped up to the challenge. 

Today, the House passed 56 much-needed reforms to FISA that close the loopholes that led to previous abuses while ensuring our national security agencies and law enforcement have what they need to PROTECT – not spy on – American citizens. This is the largest intelligence reform package since FISA’s inception nearly 50 years ago, aimed at strengthening its legitimate purpose and safeguarding Americans against future abuses under the law.

Ahead of today’s vote, I spoke to members of our local law enforcement and military communities, all of whom support this bill. While the previous abuses are unacceptable, we must remember that we have local entities that need FISA to keep our communities safe, like our police departments, sheriff’s offices, CBP, and military bases.

169 individuals on the terror watchlist were apprehended at the border last year alone. And with 860,000 gotaways in the same time frame, we frankly don’t know how many more bad actors slipped through undetected. Make no mistake – our adversaries will seize any opportunity to hit Americans at home or abroad. I recently returned from Israel — I heard firsthand from Israeli officials of barrage of attacks they face every day. I saw the communities devastated by Hamas and met the families who had loved ones murdered in their own homes. I visited at the graves of IDF soldiers who gave their lives for their fellow citizens. Hamas and our adversaries wish the same fate on the United States. If FISA were to expire next week, our country would go blind. With Iran, China and Russia more emboldened than ever and a porous border, America is already more vulnerable than ever."

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