Congress must stop the government from spying on your church The expansion of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has broadened the definition of entities that can be compelled to assist in surveillance, potentially including churches and community centers. This raises concerns about the “incidental” collection and warrantless searching of private communications of ordinary Americans. The article argues that this overreach violates Fourth Amendment protections and is not a necessary trade-off for national security, as stated by Rep. Mark Harris.

• The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) is a national security tool but has become a loophole for government surveillance of Americans’ private communications.
• The definition of “electronic communication service provider” has been expanded, meaning almost any business or organization with a computer or internet connection could be compelled to assist in surveillance.
• This expansion is particularly concerning for churches, where private confessions and communications could be accessed without a warrant.
• The article cites past abuses of FISA, including its use against political campaigns and improper searches of citizens’ information.
• The author argues that these expanded powers violate Fourth Amendment protections and that national security and civil liberties should not be mutually exclusive.
• Congress is urged to include protections for Americans’ constitutional rights when renewing FISA authority.