A House Democrat who opposed a constitutional warrant requirement for foreign communications is now facing pressure to support it, raising concerns about the party's commitment to civil liberties.
During the spring 2024 debate, Rep. Dan Goldman argued that obtaining a warrant would "render this program unusable" and warned that doing so would significantly delay intelligence gathering on terrorists. His stance won the day as progressives ultimately sided with Democrats like Goldman to defeat the measure, which lost by one vote.
The decision has left civil liberties advocates disappointed and frustrated, particularly since some Democrats who initially opposed the warrant requirement have now shifted their stance in response to the Biden administration's lobbying efforts.
Despite this shift, there is uncertainty about whether more Democrats will flip back on their opposition to a warrant requirement. The FISA reauthorization vote, which is set for April 2024, could become a critical test of the party's commitment to civil liberties.
In recent weeks, Goldman has emphasized the need to ensure that government agencies are held accountable and that potential abuses of power are prevented. His stance on this issue may position him as a strong candidate in his primary race.
Progressives had initially rallied behind the warrant provision but were ultimately swayed by the Biden administration's argument that the law is necessary for national security.
Critics, however, say that even surveillance directed abroad inevitably involves collecting communications of Americans and that Democrats who opposed the warrant requirement have been pressured into backing down due to pressure from the administration.
During the spring 2024 debate, Rep. Dan Goldman argued that obtaining a warrant would "render this program unusable" and warned that doing so would significantly delay intelligence gathering on terrorists. His stance won the day as progressives ultimately sided with Democrats like Goldman to defeat the measure, which lost by one vote.
The decision has left civil liberties advocates disappointed and frustrated, particularly since some Democrats who initially opposed the warrant requirement have now shifted their stance in response to the Biden administration's lobbying efforts.
Despite this shift, there is uncertainty about whether more Democrats will flip back on their opposition to a warrant requirement. The FISA reauthorization vote, which is set for April 2024, could become a critical test of the party's commitment to civil liberties.
In recent weeks, Goldman has emphasized the need to ensure that government agencies are held accountable and that potential abuses of power are prevented. His stance on this issue may position him as a strong candidate in his primary race.
Progressives had initially rallied behind the warrant provision but were ultimately swayed by the Biden administration's argument that the law is necessary for national security.
Critics, however, say that even surveillance directed abroad inevitably involves collecting communications of Americans and that Democrats who opposed the warrant requirement have been pressured into backing down due to pressure from the administration.
So, Rep. Dan Goldman's got some 'splainin' to do after flip-floppin' on that whole foreign communications warrant thingy. I get it, national security is a big deal and all, but come on! 
It's like, don't you guys trust your own constituents anymore? 
I mean, it sounds good, but we all know what's really goin' on here. 
The Biden administration is just tryin' to squeeze in that warrant requirement without anyone noticing. 
It's like they're playin' this game of "who can be most Orwellian" 
and I'm just here for the popcorn... 
so Rep Goldman got roasted by the party and now he's trying to be a hero for civil liberties... newsflash, Dan, you're a politician not a whistleblower 
. anyone who thought they could just flip flop on their stance because the admin leaned on them should've read the fine print in the first place 
Everyone'll be walkin' around like they're worried about bein' spied on all the time. It's like we gotta stand up for our rights and not let politicians play games with our freedom. 
Can't help but wonder if more of 'em are gonna cave in under pressure... or will some of 'em find their voice and speak out? 
. As someone who's always been passionate about mental wellness and mindfulness, I think it's super important for us to prioritize our values and principles, even when it gets tough 
. It's disheartening to see some of our politicians flip-flopping on issues that are crucial to protecting civil liberties. The FISA reauthorization vote is like a big test, and I hope our leaders will stand strong 
. But what really worries me is the pressure they're under from the administration - it feels like we're losing sight of what's truly important here 
. Can't we just take a deep breath and have a calm conversation about this? 
I'm so done with politicians playing games on our civil liberties 
? It's like they're saying "we want freedom now" when it suits them and then "oh no, we didn't mean that after all" 
- it feels like they're buying off our reps instead of genuinely advocating for national security 
. I'm curious to see if more Democrats will flip back on their opposition, but at this point, I think we should be demanding transparency and accountability from our leaders 
.
still can't get over how quickly they shifted their stance after Biden's lobbying 
. And now they're trying to turn him into some kind of hero just 'cause he changed his mind? 
I'm really worried about what's happening with Rep. Dan Goldman 
. I think we need more people in Congress who are willing to stand up for what's right, even if it's hard or unpopular 
. We should be supporting our representatives for being strong on civil liberties, not forcing them to back down 
.
. I hope more Democrats will speak out against this and stand up for what's right, even if it means going against the administration 
, especially since Rep. Goldman is looking like a strong candidate. Let's keep an eye on this situation and hold our elected officials accountable 
. We need leaders who are going to stand up for what's right, even if it's hard 
. And I'm worried that if they keep backing down on this warrant requirement thing, we're going to lose something really important 
.
.
. But still, can't we just keep an open mind and consider all sides before jumping ship? 
. It's interesting to see how the party dynamics play out, especially when it comes to issues like civil liberties and national security. The question remains, will these shifting stances be driven by pragmatism or genuine conviction? As a wise man once said, "the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy" 
It's like they're being bought off by the same people who want to control our every move 
I'm all for holding those in power accountable, but not at the cost of our civil liberties 
We need more transparency and oversight, not less 
. We just used our common sense and worked with the authorities. Now, it seems like we're living in a fishbowl where every move is being watched 
. I'm not saying we shouldn't have safeguards, but can't we just keep an open mind on this one?