Electronic surveillance is one of the most important tools used by our intelligence agencies to ensure our safety. In an attempt to accomplish this goal, I want to make sure that legal methods are being used to protect our lives, as well as our liberties and freedoms. The bipartisan Protect America Act protects Americans by cutting through bureaucratic red tape while preserving our civil liberties, but this critical bill was allowed to expire by the House Democratic leadership 10 days ago. This issue is too important to be stalled by political posturing and must be passed immediately.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 highlight the needs of our intelligence community, who must have the tools to stop violent extremists who aim to kill Americans. It is simply not a coincidence that America has not been attacked on American soil in six years. In the wake of those terrorist attacks, American businesses that helped prevent another potential attack should be commended, not prosecuted by trial lawyers.
Our Intelligence officials are charged with protecting Americans in the face of real dangers – both abroad and at home. Congress has a responsibility to give the intelligence community the tools and resources it needs to effectively gather information and protect American lives, while ensuring our civil liberties. Violent extremists remain a viable threat, and House Democrats need to remember how dangerous these terrorists are. We must pass the Protect America Act now before valuable surveillance passes without being collected.
Editor’s Note: Watch video Hill pundits Peter Fenn & Frank Donatelli on FISA at The Hill’s Pundits Blog.