WASHINGTON, D.C. (SDJW) — The House of Representatives by a vote of 273 to 147 on Friday approved a two-year renewal of the section of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that permits the country’s spy agencies without a specific warrant to wiretap non-Americans outside the country.
Opponents said giving spy agencies such authority is too broad because it may result in Americans who communicate with their overseas relatives to be spied upon.
Among those voting no on the measure was Democratic Congresswoman Sara Jacobs of San Diego who commented: “We can keep our country safe while simultaneously protecting Americans’ 4th Amendment rights to privacy, but this version of the FISA reauthorization doesn’t get that balance right. In San Diego, AAPI and Middle Eastern communities are routinely wrapped up in FISA’s collections of communications just for talking with their family members abroad. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with my House and Senate colleagues to address these issues and protect Americans’ civil liberties, privacy, and national security.”
An amendment to require a warrant to see data from Americans failed on a tie vote of 212-212.
Republican Congresswoman Paulina Luna of Florida filed a motion for reconsideration, meaning the measure will not go to the Senate for consideration until the House votes on whether the bill should be reconsidered.
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Former President Donald Trump to reporters recently: “Any Jewish person that votes for a Democrat or votes for Biden should have their head examined.” To which the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) responded “Donald Trump’s daily routine includes hurling antisemitic insults at the three-quarters of American Jews who oppose him and his hateful, deranged vision for America. Trump is the one who needs his head examined. Turns out attacking our intelligence, promising to be a dictator ‘on day one,’ and inviting a neo-Nazi over for dinner will not make Jewish Americans want to vote for him. We stand with President Biden because he stands up for our values – there’s never been a clearer contrast.”
Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida) responded humorously on X: Had my head examined. All is well. I appreciate the President’s concern. When is Trump having dinner with Kanye and Nick Fuentes again?” His comment referred to a dinner at Mar A Logo at which Trump dinned with Nick Fuentes and Kanye West, who are known for making antisemitic remarks.
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Reacting to the introduction of the Countering Antisemitism Act by Sens. Jacky Rosen and James Lankford and Reps. Kathy Manning, Chris Smith, Brian Fitzpatrick and Randy Weber, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder issued the following statement:
“The legislation introduced April 10 is a critical step toward addressing antisemitism in the United States and around the world. American leadership is essential in this fight, and I’m grateful for the bipartisanship that has led to this important moment. The waves of hate that Jews have faced since October 7th is something I never thought I would see in my lifetime. This meaningful bill will reinforce those battling against this devastating form of hatred. The establishment of a National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism will be essential in bridging any gaps and ensure that the administration can transform words into action. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on combating antisemitism and fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding during this difficult time.”
The bipartisan and bicameral Countering Antisemitism Act would establish within the White House a National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism to:
–Serve as the President’s principal advisor on countering domestic antisemitism.
–Coordinate Federal efforts to counter antisemitism.
–Chair a new interagency task force to coordinate the implementation of U.S. government strategies to counter antisemitism.
–Conduct an annual analysis of the spread of antisemitism online and provide recommendations to Congress on how to counter it.
–Direct federal agencies to submit a report to Congress detailing their implementation of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.
–Require the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and National Counterterrorism Center to jointly produce an annual threat assessment of antisemitic violent extremism.
–Require the Department of Education to designate a senior official to advise the Secretary on the Department’s efforts to counter antisemitic discrimination in higher education.
–Require the FEMA Administrator to ensure the agency has sufficient resources and personnel needed to carry out the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
— Formally establish May as “Jewish American Heritage Month” in federal law.