Rep. Bera Statement on FISA Section 702 Reauthorization Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06), a senior Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after voting against legislation to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA):

"As a senior Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I've seen firsthand how Section 702 is effectively deployed to disrupt terrorist plots, counter foreign espionage, combat international drug trafficking, and defend against cyber intrusions. These authorities save lives and strengthen our national security every single day. We cannot afford to blind ourselves to the intelligence that helps keep Americans safe, especially at a time when our nation faces growing threats from foreign adversaries, terrorist organizations, hostile cyber actors, and ongoing conflicts around the world.

"At the same time, these authorities require public trust and must be administered by leaders who respect the rule of law, understand the gravity of the intelligence they oversee, and are committed to protecting both our national security and our civil liberties.

"My concerns about the abuse of Section 702 authorities by this Administration were cemented by President Trump's decision to appoint Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence. Mr. Pulte has no background in intelligence, foreign policy, or national security, despite the law's clear requirement that the Director of National Intelligence possess "extensive national security expertise." He has demonstrated a willingness to abuse his power on behalf of President Trump to pursue political vendettas and does not possess the experience, judgment, or understanding necessary to oversee the Intelligence Community and safeguard some of our nation's most sensitive sources and methods.

"Given President Trump's decision to place these authorities under Mr. Pulte's supervision, I cannot in good conscience support reauthorizing these powerful surveillance authorities. President Trump must immediately rescind Mr. Pulte's appointment and nominate a qualified individual with the experience, judgment, and national security expertise required to lead the Intelligence Community.

"Congress and the Administration must then return to the table to ensure these critical intelligence capabilities continue while providing the oversight, guardrails, and leadership necessary to keep Americans safe and protect the civil liberties that define who we are as a nation."