This resolution expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the National Security Agency's bulk collection telephone records program was unconstitutional and that all federal charges against Edward Snowden should be dropped. (Mr. Snowden disclosed information about the program and was subsequently charged for unauthorized disclosure of national defense information, unauthorized disclosure of classified communication intelligence, and theft of government property).
Impact
The resolution challenges the legality of the NSA's actions and underscores the need for protecting whistleblowers who expose illegal activities within the government. By advocating for the dismissal of charges against Snowden, the bill suggests a movement towards greater accountability and reform in government surveillance practices. If adopted, it could lead to a shift in how whistleblowers are treated under federal law, advocating for a more lenient and protective approach to those who reveal governmental misconduct.
Summary
HR34 is a resolution expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Federal Government should drop all charges against Edward Snowden. The resolution brings attention to Snowden's disclosures in 2013, which revealed the extensive bulk collection of Americans' telephone records by the National Security Agency (NSA) without proper oversight or justification. It emphasizes that this program not only was carried out under questionable legality but also did not significantly contribute to preventing terrorist activities, as confirmed by various judicial rulings and oversight reports over the years.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HR34 involve the implications of legitimizing whistleblowing actions that expose national security protocols and whether Snowden's actions, classified as illegal under the Espionage Act, should be justified in the context of public interest. Supporters argue that his disclosures have sparked essential discussions around civil liberties and government transparency, while critics contend that allowing him to evade charges could set a dangerous precedent, potentially encouraging future breaches of national security protocols.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United Nations Security Council should immediately impose an arms embargo against the military of Burma.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that it is the duty of the Federal Government to dramatically expand and strengthen the care economy.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that authorities under section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 should be allowed to expire.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Thomas Garrett was and should be recognized as a national abolitionist leader and activist in the struggle against slavery in the United States.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that illicit fentanyl-related substances are a weapon of mass destruction and should be classified as such.
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that regular journalistic activities are protected under the First Amendment, and that the United States ought to drop all charges against and attempts to extradite Julian Assange.
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States Government engage the Government of India to seek a swift end to the persecution of, and violence against, religious minorities and human rights defenders in India and a reversal of government policies that discriminate against Muslims and Christians on the basis of their respective faiths.