From Congressman Justin Amash: > Supporters of Sec. 309 claim that the provision actually reins in the executive branch’s power to retain Americans’ private co

From Congressman Justin Amash: > Supporters of Sec. 309 claim that the provision actually reins in the executive branch’s power to retain Americans’ private communications. It is true that Sec. 309 includes exceedingly weak limits on the executive’s retention of Americans’ communications. With many exceptions, the provision requires the executive to dispose of Americans’ communications within five years of acquiring them—although, as HPSCI admits, the executive branch already follows procedures along these lines. > In exchange for the data retention requirements that the executive already follows, Sec. 309 provides a novel statutory basis for the executive branch’s capture and use of Americans’ private communications. The Senate inserted the provision into the intelligence reauthorization bill late last night. That is no way for Congress to address the sensitive, private information of our constituents—especially when we are asked to expand our government’s surveillance powers. Reddit is one of the most manipulated, banal social platforms on the internet. Need I remind you that JTRIG is tasked with manipulating public discourse in a professional capacity?