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Bipartisan FISA Bill a Victory for America
Washington,
Jul 21 -
By: Congressman John Carter
Round Rock Leader
Texans know there is nothing more important than the safety of our children and grandchildren, and after months of political antics, Congress finally sent a clear message to our enemies that we will not take this security for granted.
Last week, in a victory for the American people, the President signed into law the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This bipartisan bill modernizes the outdated 1970s-era law which was written to protect Americans from 1970s threats. Communicating in the 70s was very different than communicating today. There was no Internet, e-mail or cell phones. Dealing with a 21st century al-Qaeda with 1970s tools doesn't work, and although this bill is long overdue, I am glad to finally see the Democrat leadership compromise in order to get it passed.
If we are serious about protecting the American people, as well as our soldiers abroad, then we must give our intelligence officials the tools they need to monitor terrorists plotting to kill Americans and our allies.
This bipartisan measure provides tools, safeguards the civil liberties of every American, and adds critical retroactive liability protections for telecommunication companies that assisted our government after 9/11.
House Republicans worked hard to ensure that the process by which telecommunication companies receive liability protection is not subject to a feeding frenzy of trial lawyers.
This bill instructs federal district courts to dismiss civil law suits filed against companies that worked with the federal government to snuff out possible terrorist attacks after September 11.
House Democrats have done the right thing and compromised on this critical issue after they stalled for months. Make no mistake, this legislation is a victory for our intelligence community and the American people, but it should have come sooner, especially since the Senate passed a perfectly acceptable bipartisan bill more than five months ago.
I have said repeatedly that keeping America safe from terrorist attacks is not, and never should be, a partisan issue.
I am pleased to see both parties come together for the safety of Americans.
I will continue to fight to give our intelligence community the tools they need to keep our country safe. I hope this compromise signals the beginning of both parties working together for the betterment of our country.
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