Democratic Rep. Jane Harman has submitted legislation that would in effect prevent the Department of Homeland Security from using space-based satellite imagery for domestic surveillance.
The California congresswoman, chair of the House Homeland Security Committee's intelligence and terrorism risk assessment subcommittee, praised the use of military and intelligence satellites to aid American troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. But she raised concerns that satellite surveillance could infringe on civil liberties when used at home.
"Imagine, for a moment, what it would be like if one of these satellites were directed on your neighborhood or home, a school or place of worship — and without an adequate legal framework or operating procedures in place for regulating their use," Rep. Harman said.
"I daresay the reaction might be that Big Brother has finally arrived and the black helicopters can't be far behind."
Space-based satellites have been used to monitor volcanic activity, hurricanes, floods and environmental changes, but "the leadership at DHS envisioned additional homeland security and law enforcement benefits," Government Security News reported.
DHS requested funding for the National Applications Office (NAO), which coordinates the use of satellite imagery for domestic surveillance. Harman's bill would bar DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano from "obligating or expending funds for the National Applications Office."
Harman has also submitted a bill that would direct Napolitano to close the NAO. In a speech in the House on June 4, she said: "The Appropriations Committee has repeatedly expressed skepticism about the need for the NAO."
But Charlie Allen, then the Under Secretary of DHS for Intelligence & Analysis, wrote last year that the NAO would operate "with a solid framework to protect privacy, civil rights and civil liberties."
Source: NewsMax.com
Posted: Daily Thought Pad
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