WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a bill reauthorizing critical intelligence laws which allow for the collection of information against foreign targets while providing robust privacy and transparency protections for U.S. citizens. Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (D-AL), who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, supported passage of FISA when it passed the House in a bipartisan vote.

“I voted for the reauthorization of FISA because this legislation provides a key tool in the war against terrorism by improving our intelligence gathering capabilities and strengthening our overall national security,” said Rep. Sewell. “FISA ensures that the brave men and women serving our country have the tools they need to keep us safe, while at the same time guarding the privacy of American citizens. While imperfect, this year’s FISA reauthorization does help bolster privacy safeguards by strengthening whistleblower protections, improving deterrents against the leaking of classified information, and by requiring a review and declassification of Section 702 procedures. The passage of this bill is recognition of the bipartisan work our Committee did to reauthorize FISA in a way that supports our national security while protecting the privacy of all Americans.”

The bill ensures that Congress will revisit FISA authorities again by expiring in 2023. 

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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.