In an exclusive interview with Breitbart News on Tuesday, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) said that Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-LA) caving in to the intelligence agencies on a contentious surveillance bill is a “classic illustration” of the “D.C. cartel.”
Biggs made his remarks as the House Rules Committee readies itself to examine the procedure by which the House will assess the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA). This legislation seeks to amend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a contentious statute that, although intended to target foreign enemies, frequently eavesdrops on Americans’ private conversations.
Proponents of individual privacy see Johnson’s past support for a warrant requirement and his vote for an amendment to prohibit intelligence and law enforcement organizations from acquiring personal information about Americans as attempts to circumvent the Fourth Amendment. Johnson allegedly does not support either provision in a measure to overhaul surveillance now that he is speaker.
In an effort to improve Section 702, Biggs sponsored a measure that made it through the House Judiciary Committee: the Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act. Among the most essential laws to safeguard civil rights in “many generations,” according to former House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R–VA) and Lamar Smith (R–TX).
The Republican from Arizona went on to say that Johnson’s abrupt change of heart on privacy legislation was a “perfect illustration” of the DC cartel trying to keep things the way they are.
“I believe you became entangled in the D.C. cartel,” Biggs stated. The word on the street is that you would be holding blood on your hands if they showed up to tell you that. Therefore, the cartel resorts to intimidating and frightening the public. To exacerbate the situation, some individuals lose sight of the original motivation behind their stance.
Black Lives Matter (BLM) and January 6 protestors have been subject to Section 702 surveillance, Biggs pointed out.
“How are we different from the CCP [Chinese Communist Party] right now?” Biggs is rhetorically questioned if publicly voicing an opinion on a topic now triggers a search and questioning of you by the federal government.
Biggs stated that the Intelligence Committee’s recommended proposals for a Section 702 renewal bill are now at the “fix” stage.
Despite the “uphill road,” he is determined to have lawmakers publicly address warrant requirements and other improvements through the rules process.
Additionally, the conservatives from Arizona spoke out in response to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s (R-GA) proposal to depose Johnson as House leader. Despite his claims that impeachment and FISA are his top priorities, the Speaker is aware that he is “manifestly displeased” by the House’s present performance.
“Oh, we are going to build this up for future conflict,” he stated, expressing his dissatisfaction with the ongoing resolutions. Is that future fight still a ways off? Mr. Representative It will truly be a surprise strike, Warren Davidson promises every time we battle. Indeed, it would catch everyone off guard.
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