Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr just released a domestic surveillance reform plan that he hopes will bridge a divide between Republicans and Democrats over extending the expiring law.
Burr, R-N.C., said his proposal “plugs the holes” left by House-passed legislation that would immediately end the National Security Agency’s bulk collection of data, and instead provides a two-year transition period.
The USA Freedom Act, which is the reform bill, would rely upon the telecommunications companies to retain the data, which the NSA could tap into when needed. But Burr said more time is needed to ensure this change happens the right way.
“My legislation provides a longer transition period to ensure that the metadata collection process moves properly to the carriers without endangering our national security or our personnel overseas,” Burr said.
The Burr plan includes language that would require the telecom companies to provide the government with “advance notice,” if they plan to change their data collection policies. And it would permit the court that oversees wireless surveillance warrants to gather expert advice when deciding these cases, in a way that shouldn’t lead to longer decision times.
The legislation would make changes to the current law aimed at enhancing anti-terrorism efforts, including language to allow continued surveillance of suspected terrorists even if they leave the United States.
The Senate is struggling to find a way to deal with the NSA law before breaking for a one-week recess. The law expires on June 1.
In addition to the USA Freedom Act, the Senate may vote on a five-year extension of the law with no changes, as well as a two-month extension.
