Wyden to block confirmation for NSA director, citing lack of experience

"His responses ... reveal a lack of familiarity with basic constitutional rights that is incompatible with the position for which he has been nominated. The potential for abuse is enormous, as we saw when the Agency secretly conducted an illegal, warrantless surveillance program that it hid not only from the public but from Congress."

"Rudd does not have the background that would allow him to immediately step into the role of leading the foreign eavesdropping agency and digital combatant command. Given ongoing concerns about Fourth Amendment protections related to DHS and ICE activities, the nation is facing a dangerous moment with constitutional rights under attack."

Senator Ron Wyden is blocking Lt. Gen. Joshua Rudd's confirmation to lead U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency. Wyden contends that Rudd lacks necessary cybersecurity and cyberintelligence experience, having served primarily in Indo-Pacific Command leadership roles. The senator also criticized Rudd's hearing responses regarding civil liberties and unlawful surveillance oversight, stating they demonstrate insufficient familiarity with constitutional protections. Wyden emphasized concerns about Fourth Amendment protections and NSA surveillance authorities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He referenced historical NSA abuses, including the warrantless surveillance program exposed by Edward Snowden, arguing the nation faces a critical moment for protecting constitutional rights against potential agency overreach.

Read at Nextgov.com