Rep. Warren Davidson Proposes Amendment to Protect Americans’ Data Privacy

On Tuesday, Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) announced his plan to introduce an amendment aimed at a bill that seeks to reauthorize crucial surveillance authorities. His proposal is designed to prevent law enforcement and intelligence agencies from acquiring data about Americans through third-party brokers.

Davidson intends to amend the bill reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which currently prohibits data brokers from delivering personal information to the federal government.

“It would be a significant disservice to the American public to pass Section 702 without addressing reforms that protect Fourth Amendment privacy rights,” Davidson stated.

“We’re living in a digital era where our phones act as extensions of our homes, containing everything from personal conversations to location data, banking details, and health records. Our devices should have the same constitutional protections as our homes,” he added.

According to Davidson, his amendments aim to close what is commonly referred to as the data broker loophole, which enables intelligence agencies to procure information from brokers who collect data from mobile applications and online activity without the need for a warrant. Reports indicate that agencies like the FBI and NSA are purchasing American data through these intermediaries.

“My amendment addresses that loophole, and I’m grateful for the bipartisan support I’ve received from other lawmakers wanting to protect their constituents’ privacy rights. I’m looking forward to a comprehensive vote in the House,” he articulated.

The House Rules Committee is set to meet Tuesday afternoon to determine guidelines for debating the bill that would reauthorize Section 702. Republican leaders, alongside the Trump administration, are pushing for an 18-month extension of this provision.

Chairman Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) mentioned on Tuesday that he does not plan to add any amendments to Bill 702.

“It will be a straightforward extension,” Johnson conveyed to reporters. “Introducing an amendment could jeopardize its passage, and that’s too critical.”

The House is scheduled to deliberate on the bill on Wednesday, though its future remains uncertain. Many conservative members are advocating for reforms, which include warrant requirements for examining Americans’ communications and closing the loopholes associated with data brokers.