House Republicans are prioritizing legislation to curb the use of Flock surveillance cameras, with Speaker Mike Johnson announcing plans to bring a bill to the floor during the post-election lame-duck session. This move comes as public concern grows over widespread surveillance, a sentiment echoed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who recently introduced her own bill on the matter.
Johnson indicated that the House would consider legislation targeting automated surveillance technology after the November elections. He specifically referenced a bill by Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) that aims to prevent federal agencies from purchasing or accessing such systems. Rep. Tom Barrett (R-Mich.), a cosponsor of the effort, is campaigning in a competitive re-election race.
Another proposal, from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), seeks to prohibit the use of federal funds for surveillance camera systems and mandates their dismantling within 180 days. These legislative efforts reflect a bipartisan, though uneven, concern about the proliferation of surveillance technology.
Ocasio-Cortez, alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), introduced legislation last week aiming to impose restrictions on the surveillance technology. She voiced strong opposition to Flock cameras during a recent town hall, criticizing their existence and broader surveillance practices. Some Republican sources suggest that any Flock legislation could face challenges in a post-election House, particularly if the Republican majority shrinks, potentially impacting attendance for votes.
Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has also been a vocal critic, introducing his own legislation and holding a hearing on Flock cameras in late September. Hawley highlighted the extensive reach of the company's network, stating that Flock maintains a system of 120,000 cameras across 49 states, generating billions of images. Flock has stated that it welcomes clear policy, accountability, and oversight mechanisms for its technology.