Huntsville Leader

WASHINGTON – Congressman Dale W. Strong (AL-05) expressed his satisfaction with the passing of the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, emphasizing the importance of preventing political spying and supporting law enforcement.

“In 2016, the FBI used information paid for by the Hillary Clinton campaign to secure a FISA warrant authorizing federal spying on President Trump’s campaign. It was the greatest political scandal in U.S. history, and if this bill had been in place at the time, it wouldn’t have happened,” stated Congressman Strong.

Highlighting the current threats faced by America, Congressman Strong underscored the necessity for Congress to protect the American people while ensuring that tools provided cannot be misused by political leadership at the Department of Justice.

The bill extends authorities for two years for future review, restricts FISA authorities to prevent the FBI from utilizing information collected by political operatives, and prohibits political appointees from directing wiretaps into their political opponents. Additionally, it mandates Inspector General reports to supervise the actions of FBI officials and requires any incidental takes to be approved directly by senior FBI leadership.

Moreover, the legislation creates new criminal liability and imposes severe penalties for FBI personnel involved in creating false FISA applications or unlawfully accessing the records of U.S. citizens.