ACLU of CT Supports Reform of FISA Courts

A group of senators is proposing two measures to reform the secret FISA courts, which approved the massive government domestic spying operation revealed by whistleblower Edward Snowden.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut joined Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, one of the authors of the bills, and Cheri Quickmire, executive director of Common Cause, at a news conference Monday in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford to express support for the legislation.

"Right now the FISA courts are shrouded in secrecy," said David McGuire, staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union. "In the 35 years that the court has existed, there have been roughly 34,000 applications considered by the court. Only 11 of those applications have been denied; that's less than a third of 1 percent. Essentially what has happened with the FISA court is that it has become a rubber stamp."

The FISA Court Reform Act would create a special advocate with the power to advocate before the courts for the constitutional rights of Americans. The FISA Judge Selection Reform Act would change the way the judges are appointed in order to ensure a greater diversity of perspective.

McGuire and Quickmire thanked Blumenthal for his leadership on the issue.

"We think that responsible government absolutely requires a court that is not secret, a court that is more accountable, that is more transparent to the public," Quickmire said.

Blumenthal said the legislation would make the courts more effective. "Courts make better decisions when two sides are represented," he said, "and the special advocate will in no way slow or imperil security."

Blumenthal told reporters that he expects the measures to get strong support in the Senate.