The head of the FBI is warning of elevated threats of terrorism and is urging Congress to reauthorize a national security spy program.
It comes as Congress debates whether to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act – known as FISA. The program permits the collection of electronic data from non-U.S. citizens without a warrant. However, there are concerns among some lawmakers it could also lead to surveillance of Americans.
The FBI says Section 702 has been pivotal in preventing kidnappings, assassination plots, identifying hackers, and targeting terrorists. Despite its significance, its future hangs in balance as lawmakers debate over provisions to protect Americans’ privacy.
“Let me be clear, failure to authorize 702 or gutting it with some new kind of warrant requirement would be dangerous and put Americans’ lives at risk,” said Director Wray.
Wednesday, Director Wray told a House panel that he has seen “the threat from foreign terrorists rise to a whole another level” following recent attacks by Hamas operatives in Israel on Oct. 7. He warns bad actors could draw inspiration from such attacks in the Middle East.
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