searched and seized by the government without probable cause. not having all of our communications data collected, monitored and analyzed, even though there's no evidence of wrongdoing. that's the responsibility afforded the president, according to the constitution. >> national correspondent has the latest from washington. >> reporter: the nsa reforms are meant to reassure. >> the united states is not spying on ordinary people who don't threaten our national security. >> reporter: because there are people who do. the president says the surveillance program needs to stick around. >> these efforts have prevented multiple attacks and saved innocent lives. >> reporter: but to answer those weary of potential privacy abuses, the president proposed changing but not ending, nsa's controversial bulk selection of phone numbers, times and lengths of calls. effective immediately, nsa will