Biden urged to veto FISA renewal following Senate vote, as per Snowden's request.

The Senate passed the re-authorization shortly after midnight Friday.

Biden urged to veto FISA renewal following Senate vote, as per Snowden's request.
Biden urged to veto FISA renewal following Senate vote, as per Snowden's request.

On Saturday, Edward Snowden urged President Joe Biden to reject the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) after the Senate passed the re-authorization the previous day.

"Snowden wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that the House has approved unconstitutional, warrantless searches of Americans' communications. The Senate has also approved it, but only the President can prevent it from becoming law, and he won't because he requested it."

The government uses Section 702 to gather intelligence on foreign subjects with the help of electronic communication service providers. Snowden's statements were made after the upper chamber passed the re-authorization of Section 702 by a vote of 60-34.

The measure is now headed to Biden's desk for his signature.

The Justice Department's work to safeguard the American people from various threats is crucial, and Section 702 is indispensable to this effort, as stated by Attorney General Merrick Garland following the vote.

The Justice Department will continue to use Section 702 to ensure that our efforts to keep our country safe are informed by the most valuable and timely intelligence, as we continue to uphold our commitment to protect the rights of all Americans, in the face of today's heightened global threat environment, according to Garland's statement.

If the provision had expired, companies would not have been obligated to comply with government surveillance requests under the bill. The government would have been required to obtain a warrant to obtain any such assistance from companies.

Biden and Snowden
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden called for President Joe Biden to veto the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Saturday after the Senate voted to pass the re-authorization on Friday.  (Nate Smallwood/Bloomberg // Henrique Casinhas/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

On both sides of the Section 702 renewal debate, there are bipartisan coalitions forming, with some arguing that the provision is essential for national security, while others express concerns about its potential violation of constitutional rights.

The amendments proposed by Sens. Rand Paul, Roger Marshall, Ron Wyden, Josh Hawley, Mike Lee, and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin were considered before the bill's final approval.

Mitch McConnell, Chuck Schumer
Bipartisan coalitions have grown on both sides of Section 702 renewal, with some arguing that the provision is a vital national security necessity, and others expressing concern over its violations of constitutional protections. (Getty Images)

"We must not continue to sacrifice our freedoms in the name of security. Instead of curbing FISA overreach, RISAA expands it significantly," Paul stated before beginning to vote on his amendments. "I urge my colleagues to support reforms that protect both national security and civil liberties."

Speaker Mike Johnson looking pensive
The House of Representatives voted to pass the bill earlier this month, placing Speaker Mike Johnson in a tough spot between privacy and national security hawks within his conference.  (Getty Images)

Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., opposed the inclusion of the amendments due to the tight deadline. Despite their support, none of the amendments received the necessary votes and were not included in the bill.

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives passed a bill, putting Speaker Mike Johnson in a difficult position between privacy and national security advocates within his party.

Planet Chronicle' Julia Johnson and Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.

by Haley Chi-Sing

politics

Trump appoints John Sauer as US solicitor general.

Trump appoints John Sauer as US solicitor general.

politics
Trump selects ex-Rep. Collins for Veterans Affairs chief.

Trump selects ex-Rep. Collins for Veterans Affairs chief.

politics
Trump appoints Todd Blanche as his deputy attorney general.

Trump appoints Todd Blanche as his deputy attorney general.

politics
Report: Woman Accused Matt Gaetz of Sexual Misconduct When She Was 17

Report: Woman Accused Matt Gaetz of Sexual Misconduct When She Was 17

politics
Report: Woman Testifies to Having Sex with Matt Gaetz at Age 17

Report: Woman Testifies to Having Sex with Matt Gaetz at Age 17

politics
RFK Jr. appointed as head of Department of Health and Human Services by Trump.

RFK Jr. appointed as head of Department of Health and Human Services by Trump.

politics
It is anticipated that RFK Jr. will be appointed to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

It is anticipated that RFK Jr. will be appointed to head the Department of Health and Human Services.

politics
Indiana's ban on puberty blockers and hormones for gender-confused minors is upheld by federal court.

Indiana's ban on puberty blockers and hormones for gender-confused minors is upheld by federal court.

politics
Sen. Steve Daines privately backed John Thune in a tight leader race.

Sen. Steve Daines privately backed John Thune in a tight leader race.

politics
A bipartisan border bill was introduced in the Senate following the Trump election victory.

A bipartisan border bill was introduced in the Senate following the Trump election victory.

politics
Decades of environmental regulations are overturned by federal court.

Decades of environmental regulations are overturned by federal court.

politics
The Trump administration plans to significantly increase immigration detention: "He will fulfill his promise"

The Trump administration plans to significantly increase immigration detention: "He will fulfill his promise"

politics
A Houston man has been arrested by the FBI on charges of having ties to ISIS and plotting a terrorist attack on US soil.

A Houston man has been arrested by the FBI on charges of having ties to ISIS and plotting a terrorist attack on US soil.

politics
FEMA is being sued by Florida's Attorney General for alleged political discrimination against Trump supporters.

FEMA is being sued by Florida's Attorney General for alleged political discrimination against Trump supporters.

politics
DOJ urged to safeguard Jack Smith documents in Trump cases, as per GOP senators' warning against past record destruction.

DOJ urged to safeguard Jack Smith documents in Trump cases, as per GOP senators' warning against past record destruction.

politics
Hochul's toll reboot plan faces bipartisan opposition, with Dems concerned about Trump's interference.

Hochul's toll reboot plan faces bipartisan opposition, with Dems concerned about Trump's interference.

politics
Ohio House passes bill limiting transgender students' bathroom access in schools.

Ohio House passes bill limiting transgender students' bathroom access in schools.

politics
Senate Democrats rush to confirm Biden judges before Trump's presidency.

Senate Democrats rush to confirm Biden judges before Trump's presidency.

politics