DURBIN: 'CONGRESS SHOULD REAUTHORIZE SECTION 702 WITH SENSIBLE REFORMS TO PROTECT AMERICANS FROM THREATS TO THEIR SECURITY AND TO THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.'

WASHINGTON, April 20 -- Sen. Dick Durbin issued the following press release:

In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called for serious reforms to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is set to expire on April 30. Section 702 grew out of a secret warrantless surveillance program conducted by the Bush Administration after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. When this illegal spying program was exposed, Congress enacted Section 702 as a temporary measure.

Last week, on a bipartisan basis, the House rejected attempts to renew Section 702 without adequate safeguards. Instead, Congress enacted a 10-day extension...