Divided Watchdog Agency Debates Reforms to Controversial Surveillance Law

The Privacy and Civil Liberties Board, a watchdog agency responsible for investigating US national security programs, has become divided over proposed reforms to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a controversial law that allows warrantless surveillance of foreigners but also collects the communications of American citizens. The board split along partisan lines, with three Democrats proposing new limits on the program and two Republicans issuing their own reforms. Both sides agree on the importance of the program but differ on the extent of reforms needed to protect privacy and civil liberties. The responsibility to renew or modify the program lies with Congress, but the board's division complicates the decision-making process.