The ACLU sent out an action alert this morning about the bill to update FISA. Their primary complaint about the RESTORE Act, which is supported by the Democratic leadership, is that it allows "blanket warrants." Here is what they say:
The RESTORE Act caves in to Bush’s fear-mongering in a major way by allowing for program or basket "warrants," which aren't really warrants at all. They're the modern-day equivalent of allowing government agents to sit in our living rooms, recording our personal conversations. ... The government now has the capacity to monitor us remotely and without our knowledge, and to save the information in a secret database forever.
As an alternative, Representative Rush Holt (D,NJ) introduced the FISA Modernization Act and the ACLU has endorsed that version. In a campaign they are calling the FISA Flood, they are urging everyone to call their Congressperson to urge them to support the FISA Modernization Act and not the RESTORE Act. They have a handy page on their website to get your Congressmember's phone number here.
After the break for more information.
Here are some talking points from the ACLU when you call:
- Please support the FISA Modernization Act of 2007 introduced by Representative Rush Holt, instead of the RESTORE Act. Only pass a FISA modernization bill that has individualized warrants.
- Blanket or program "warrants" that allow the government to vacuum up the international telephone calls and emails of Americans aren’t really warrants at all, and they aren’t constitutional.
- Americans are looking to Congress to stand up to the Bush Administration, not cave in to threats of being labeled soft on terrorism.
Call now as the vote should be soon!
Update: In comments below, people are liveblogging the markup of the RESTORE Act by the committee. According to Randgrithr, three good amendments have passed and one bad one has been voted down. So, while the FISA Modernization Act is not being considered, keep calling in support as that will generate pressure to keep improving RESTORE Act.