“The government must give proper weight to both keeping America safe from terrorists and protecting Americans' privacy. But when Americans lack the most basic information about our domestic surveillance programs, they have no way of knowing whether we're getting that balance right. This lack of transparency is a big problem.”

Al Franken is an American comedian and writer from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He gained prominence as a satirist and television host, particularly for his work on *Saturday Night Live* and *Late Night with Al Franken*. Beyond comedy, he is known for his sharp political commentary and advocacy on social issues, blending humor with progressive perspectives.