Coronavirus spending bill could be used to cement spying powers, surveillance critics in congress warned

DELETEME1234 · February 28, 2020

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THE CONGRESSIONAL EFFORT to rein in the government’s surveillance powers before a looming deadline on March 15 could run up against a new opponent: the coronavirus.

House Democrats have been working on plans to further amend a provision of the Patriot Act, which as of 2015 provides a way for the government to get American citizens’ phone records from telecom companies. This and other key provisions of the Patriot Act must be reauthorized by March 15, or the surveillance authority lapses. The Democrats’ amended bill would pull the provision’s authorization while allowing and tweaking other other ways the government collects records.

But those negotiations have been thrown off track, with critics of the spying program alarmed by the possibility that congressional leaders may try to use the coronavirus outbreak — and the coinciding legislation to fund a response — as a vehicle to muscle through an unamended extension or reauthorization.

https://theintercept.com/2020/02/27/coronavirus-spending-bill-surveillance-patriot-act/

90DayFinancier · February 29, 2020

I am sceptical of attempts of political forces to spread "theories" about why there is a disease outbreak. I don't think that is what the author is saying, but definitely the "hoax" language and conspiracy theories are distracting from the discussion that needs to happen: "what actions do I take to protect me and my family"

Steeleballz · February 29, 2020

I think they discussed adding the Coronavirus funding as a rider to the surveillance bill in the hopes that it will ensure the surveillance bill passes. Big mistake if they try that. This will just delay resources needed for health care facilities. The surveillance bill should pass or fail on its own merits. They have had years to consider the ramifications of it.