We called about this last week and we need to call again. Our Reps need to know this is not something we want to compromise on. Congressional staffers in DC, who do not work for our reps, noticed our action last week and reached out to let us know we need to keep the pressure on.
We wrote Congress a few weeks ago to ask that they allow Section 215 of the Patriot Act to expire. This is the section which allows the government to collect large amounts of personal data without a warrant, and has led to intrusive surveillance of minorities.
Unfortunately, almost all Democrats voted to extend the Patriot Act for another 90 days, as part of a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown. Both of our Seattle Representatives voted for it, and Rep. Jayapal, as co-chair of the Progressive Caucus, explained that the extension was a part of ongoing negotiations to reform the Patriot Act.
However, along with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Tlaib, and civil liberties groups, we remain concerned that extensions could turn into more extensions, or into another year-long renewal of all the objectionable parts of the Patriot Act – and we don’t want Trump retaining these troublesome powers.
Please call your representatives to oppose any more extensions of the Patriot Act!
Rep. Pramila Jayapal–DC 202-225-3106; Seattle 206-674-0040
Rep. Adam Smith–DC 202-225-8901; Renton 425-793-5180
Script:
“My name is [NAME] and I am calling from [CITY]. I was disappointed to hear that [REP] voted to renew the Patriot Act for another 90 days. While I understand that negotiations are ongoing, I am concerned about our civil liberties and expect the Congressperson to vote against any further renewals that allow warrantless spying to continue. Please let Section 215 expire.”
Background:
https://newrepublic.com/article/155793/hell-democrats-just-extend-patriot-act
