House Passes Jacobs-Backed Bill to Protect Americans’ Privacy
The House passed the bipartisan Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act, co-led by Rep. Sara Jacobs (CA-51), which would close the data broker loophole and prevent law enforcement and intelligence agencies from buying American’s personal information without a warrant.
Watch Rep. Sara Jacobs’ Floor Speech Here
Earlier today on the House Floor, Rep. Sara Jacobs said:
“Under almost any other circumstance, law enforcement and intelligence agencies need a warrant to access our personal information. Even in the cases of utmost national security – like when Americans are suspected of terrorism, espionage, or cybercrimes – our government gets a warrant. This process isn’t too burdensome. And it doesn’t prevent law enforcement from investigating crimes or bringing people to justice.
“But there are a few loopholes in this process – when it comes to Section 702 queries and this data broker loophole, which allows our government to circumvent our Fourth Amendment rights to access our personal information without a warrant, a court order, or even a subpoena. This is only legal because they’re buying the information. But our rights shouldn’t have a price. And cash shouldn’t hold the same legitimacy as a warrant.
“Law enforcement claims, they even say, they say this, this loophole, this data that they buy from data brokers is most useful before probable cause can be demonstrated….that is the whole point of the 4th Amendment! Of our right to prevent unreasonable seizures and searches. If you can’t establish probable cause, you shouldn’t be able to access or buy this information unless a court order says otherwise.
“That’s why we need this bipartisan 4th Amendment is Not For Sale Act, which I’m proud to co-lead. Our bill doesn’t inhibit law enforcement’s investigations; instead, it ensures that police searches are above board, follow due process, and protect Americans’ privacy. And in a Congress where it feels almost impossible to get anything done and where the American people think all we do is disagree, this shows that we can do big things. And there is bipartisan consensus, especially when it comes to Americans’ privacy rights. I urge my colleagues – on both sides of the aisle – to support this bill. I yield back.”
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