Statement from Attorney General William P. Barr on House Legislation to Reauthorize the USA Freedom Act

Attorney General William P. Barr issued the following statement:

"I have reviewed the House FISA bill and support its passage.  The bill contains an array of new requirements and compliance provisions that will protect against abuse and misuse in the future while ensuring that this critical tool is available when appropriate to protect the safety of the American people.

I am pleased that the bill contains a number of provisions Director Wray and I put forward to address past failures, including compliance failures that the Inspector General has identified for us in his recent audit work.  The IG’s analysis and recommendations have helped shape our proposals.  The Director and I will promulgate additional, implementing rules that advance these reforms.

It is of the utmost important that the Department’s attorneys and investigators always work in a manner consistent with the highest professional standards, and this overall package will help ensure the integrity of the FISA process and protect against future abuses going forward.  This legislation deserves broad bi-partisan support."