Staff Reports
In a surprising turn of events, Speaker Mike Johnson has apparently caved to the deep state and Democrats, as reports indicate that a deep state authorization has been slipped into the defense bill. Specifically, an extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has found its way into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), much to the frustration of many conservatives.
Mike Johnson Backtracks, Caves to Deep State, Democrats on Slipping FBI Spy Power Reauthorization into Defense Bill https://t.co/6V2jHu90aw
— Wendy Kortepeter (@WKortepeter) December 6, 2023
One outspoken conservative, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, released a video statement expressing her displeasure with the secretive process surrounding the NDAA. She accused Johnson of negotiating with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to include provisions against funding for abortion and “trans surgery prohibitions” that were originally in the House-passed NDAA under former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Greene also highlighted the inclusion of a “CLEAN FISA extension,” which would allow for warrantless surveillance to continue. She criticized the lack of input from conferees and questioned if the GOP was truly willing to fund controversial initiatives such as abortion and trans surgeries while extending FISA.
This backtracking by Johnson and other congressional leaders effectively undermines the opportunity to reform Section 702 and deprives conservatives of a chance to push for changes to the surveillance law. Rep. Warren Davidson, who led a letter urging against the inclusion of Section 702 in the NDAA, emphasized that this move not only disregards the concerns of the American people but also jeopardizes the passage of a strong national defense package.
It is clear that this decision is a significant betrayal of conservative principles and a victory for Democrats. Rep. Chip Roy lamented the watering down of the NDAA and the continuation of FISA without reforms, while James Czerniawksi of Americans for Prosperity called for Congress to take the opportunity to fix the abuses associated with FISA.
In the end, it seems that the deep state and Democrats have triumphed, prioritizing their own agenda over conservative values and national security. This is a disappointing outcome and a missed opportunity for real reform.
