What Congressperson Celeste Maloy Says About National Security

Congressional debates over national security and executive authority took center stage during a recent radio interview with Celeste Maloy, who discussed both the reauthorization of a key surveillance program and ongoing War Powers considerations.

Positions Often Switch On Capitol Hill

Speaking on the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB radio, Maloy acknowledged the often-shifting political positions surrounding national security laws. “I think there's a couple of things that happen, right or wrong. You are just more willing to give the benefit of the doubt to people who are on your own side and assume that they have good intent and assume that the other side has bad intent, which isn't a great way to make policy,” she said in that broadcast, noting that familiarity over time can also normalize policies that once drew strong opposition.

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A major focus of the discussion was the recent reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Maloy explained that the provision allows U.S. intelligence agencies to monitor foreign targets overseas, but it has raised concerns because of incidental data collection involving American citizens. She described ongoing efforts in Congress to curb misuse of that data, particularly by the FBI, while maintaining the program’s national security purpose. Maloy said she ultimately supported reauthorization because reforms in recent years have significantly limited access and increased oversight, emphasizing that the goal has been “to stop the abuse that was happening” while preserving a tool she views as necessary.

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The conversation also turned to military operations involving Iran and the broader question of congressional authority under the War Powers Act. Maloy outlined the timeline lawmakers face when military action is initiated by the president, explaining that Congress must decide within 60 days whether to authorize continued engagement. She said discussions are ongoing about whether current operations fall under existing authorizations or require a new vote. “The question is, does Congress authorize military force in Iran? Or there's another school of thought in Congress that the 9-11 AUMF… could cover this,” she said during the interview.

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Maloy characterized the current climate in Washington as unpredictable, noting that even seasoned observers have struggled to anticipate recent legislative outcomes. As debates over surveillance authority and military engagement continue, she indicated that key decisions remain unresolved, with significant implications for both national security policy and the balance of powers in government.