Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, issued the following statement today in light of recent revelations that the National Security Agency has violated privacy rules thousands of times.  

“I fully expect these latest disturbing revelations to kick surveillance reform into overdrive.  The jaw-dropping number of violations of law and procedure, whether the underlying actions are well-intended, should result in a growing momentum for reform.  These programs need tighter limitations, more transparency and more accountability.”

“The continued efforts of the White House, the NSA, and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) to reassure Congress and the public have not been enough. The Constitution's first three articles cover the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. There is no article labeled "Trust Us. There's Nothing To See Here." The separation of powers doctrine written into the Constitution does not mean each branch gets to do what it wants without limits.  Those powers are tied together by another key principle: checks and balances.”

“I introduced the Government Surveillance Transparency Act of 2013 so the American public can finally know what data the United States government is collecting from them. I also support the Ending Secret Law Act, which would open up the FISC’s opinions so Constitutional decisions are no longer locked away from public view.”

Larsen’s Government Surveillance Transparency Act would allow companies to publicly disclose the volume and type of information they are ordered to turn over to federal intelligence agencies. More information on the bill is available here.

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