1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I urge you to demand immediate reforms to the USA PATRIOT Act. This law has long faced criticism for eroding civil liberties under the First and Fourth Amendments through mass surveillance, bulk data collection without individualized suspicion, “sneak-and-peek” warrants, and National Security Letters issued without judicial oversight. These powers have chilled free speech, enabled unchecked monitoring, and disproportionately targeted minority communities. The Trump administration’s actions have worsened these problems. In its first term, FISA abuses—including flawed surveillance of political figures—highlighted risks of political misuse. More recently, executive actions like the September 2025 National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM-7) on “Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence” have expanded “domestic terrorism” investigations to include protected viewpoints such as anti-capitalism, anti-Americanism, or criticism of traditional views on family and religion. This broad framing risks weaponizing Patriot Act tools against activists, nonprofits, protesters, and political opponents, turning dissent into grounds for surveillance and prosecution. Recent incidents, including the fatal shooting of protesters Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and their immediate labeling as “domestic terrorists” by administration officials, show how these powers are being used to intimidate and suppress opposition. Such overreach echoes post-9/11 abuses and threatens constitutional protections. Congress must act to prevent further erosion of our rights. Please support legislation to: • Repeal or permanently sunset invasive Patriot Act provisions and related surveillance authorities. • Require probable cause and warrants for all data collection, ending bulk and suspicionless monitoring. • Strengthen judicial oversight, transparency, and independent audits to block political abuse. • Narrow definitions of “domestic terrorism” and “material support” to exclude protected speech and association. • Prohibit profiling and ensure accountability for disproportionate impacts on minority communities. I recognize that meaningful reform may face obstacles under current Republican control of both the House and Senate, and that significant progress could require waiting until after the 2026 midterm elections—when a potential shift in congressional majorities might enable passage in the incoming 120th Congress (starting January 3, 2027). Nonetheless, I ask that you and your colleagues begin preparing now: draft strong reform bills, build bipartisan coalitions, hold hearings, and position this issue so that reforms are ready to advance the moment the political landscape allows. Our democracy depends on restoring safeguards against government overreach. I ask you to prioritize these reforms and inform me of your steps on this vital issue. Thank you for your service.