In March, Attorney General Eric Holder and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper issued a joint statement on renewal of collection under Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act. On the expiration of that 90 day order, the AG and DNI again issue a statement, this time praising the reform efforts privacy advocates, including EFF, have called gutted and weak: "the bill’s significant reforms would provide the public greater confidence in our programs and the checks and balances in the system, while ensuring our intelligence and law enforcement professionals have the authorities they need to protect the Nation.  The Administration strongly supports the USA FREEDOM Act.  We urge the Senate to swiftly consider it, and remain ready to work with Congress to clarify that the bill prohibits bulk collection as noted above, as necessary." However, the statement notes: " Given that legislation has not yet been enacted, and given the importance of maintaining the capabilities of the Section 215 telephony metadata program, the government has sought a 90-day reauthorization of the existing program, as modified by the changes the President announced earlier this year. "