CIA chief John Brennan warned on Sunday that allowing vital surveillance programs to expire could increase terror threats, as the US Senate convened for a crunch debate on whether to renew the controversial provisions. With key counterterrorism programs set to expire at midnight, the top intelligence official made a final pitch to senators, arguing that the bulk data collection of telephone records of millions of Americans unconnected to terrorism has not abused civil liberties and only serves to safeguard citizens.
“This is something that we can’t afford to do right now,” Brennan said of allowing the expiration of counterterrorism provisions, which “sunset” at the end of May 31. “Because if you look at the horrific terrorist attacks and violence being perpetrated around the globe, we need to keep our country safe, and our oceans are not keeping us safe the way they did century ago,” he said CBS’ “Face the Nation” talk show. Brennan added that groups like Islamic State have followed the developments “very carefully” and are “looking for the seams to operate.”
The House has already passed a reform Bill, the USA Freedom Act, that would end the telephone data dragnet by the NSA and it will require a court order for the NSA to access specific records from the vast data base retained by telecommunications companies. If no action is taken by the Senate today, authorities will be forced to shut down the bulk collection program and two other provisions, which allow roving wiretaps of terror suspects.