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For Immediate Release
Contact:

Hamid Bendaas, 202-450-0491

Ellison on FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017

WASHINGTON

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) issued the following statement regarding S. 139, the FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017:

"In the last several years, we've seen Americans' civil rights and civil liberties rolled back, and religious minorities, immigrants and communities of color targeted most acutely. By codifying a warrantless surveillance program into law, and giving the U.S. government access to millions of Americans' private emails, text messages and phone calls, S. 139 further jeopardizes the privacy rights for those communities, including many within my own district.

We must stand our ground against this continued erosion of our constitutional rights. I hope my colleagues will join me in voting to replace this bill with the USA RIGHTS Act, which reinstates essential Fourth Amendment protections."

Rep. Keith Ellison has represented the Fifth Congressional District of Minnesota in the U.S. House of Representatives since taking office on January 4, 2007. The Fifth Congressional District is the most vibrant and diverse district in Minnesota with a rich history and traditions. The Fifth District includes the City of Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs.