Blumenthal Statement on Senate Passage of Bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act of 2015

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) released the following statement today after the Senate voted 67-32 to pass the bipartisan USA FREEDOM Act of 2015. The bill, which includes Blumenthal provisions to ensure an adversarial process at the secret FISA Court, now goes to the President’s desk for his signature.

“This new measure makes America significantly safer and stronger. The impressive bipartisan majority today will restore trust in government intelligence programs, end bulk phone data collection, and bring important reforms to the FISA Courts.

“The Court reforms – which I was proud to propose and champion – will make the legal process more transparent and accountable. No longer will significant rulings be kept secret, and arguments one-sided. Opinions on important issues can be made public, and an adversarial argument on novel or significant questions will help protect constitutional privacy and other liberties.”

This morning on the Senate floor, Blumenthal successfully urged his colleagues to reject amendments that would have weakened provisions he secured to protect constitutional rights and essential liberties at the FISA Court. By a vote of 42-56, the Senate defeated the amendment offered by Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.