Sen Wyden: Passing on surveillance reform would be 'huge mistake'

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Sen Ron Wyden (D-OR) said it would be a "huge mistake" for Congress to reauthorize portions of the Patriot Act without making meaningful reforms to US surveillance programs. Sen Wyden said Congress still has time to negotiate a deal before the reauthorization deadline a little more than two months from now. "It would be a huge mistake to just take a pass again and say at the last minute, 'oh my goodness it is a dangerous time,'" he said. "It is always a dangerous time -- and just extend them. Now is the time for fundamental reforms. We've got the time to get this done before June 1. I and my colleagues are going to insist on it."

Sen Wyden applauded the advocacy from technology companies, saying revelations about spying from the National Security Agency have taken a "considerable toll" on their business. "I think we've got a real opportunity for substantial reform now," he said. "Certainly if you look back to the days where when we just had a handful of votes and now we are at 58, closing in on 60. We've made a lot of headway. And I'm very pleased that the companies are speaking out, particularly in a coalition with Americans who value their privacy."


Sen Wyden: Passing on surveillance reform would be 'huge mistake'