We‘ve been given six more years of Section 702 collections, thanks to many, many Congressional representatives who just couldn‘t find it in their hearts to tell the dear old NSA „No.“ An extension was granted to push the „debate“ into 2018, but there was no debate to be had. Instead, oversight committees on both sides of the Congressional aisle used this time to push out zero-reform renewal packages that actually made Section 702 worse.

After a brief, two-week consideration of opposing views, things moved ahead as though the program had never been abused by the NSA and had never „inadvertently“ swept up US persons‘ communications without a warrant. The same politicians who complained about the NSA‘s power being in the hands of Donald Trump were the ones who voted for the passage of „reform“ bills increasing the agency‘s reach and grasp.

Now, Congressional reps are granting the Trump Administration even greater control of US spy powers.