“All along, it has been our mission to ensure that our intelligence community has the tools it needs to stay a step ahead of those who wish to kill innocent Americans. When this bill becomes law, that goal will be realized."

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WASHINGTON – Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL), Chairman of the House Republican Conference, issued the following statement after the House passed legislation strengthening our terrorist surveillance laws:

“Once again, House Republicans have closed the terrorist loophole, and a victory has been won for the American people.

“All along, it has been our mission to ensure that our intelligence community has the tools it needs to stay a step ahead of those who wish to kill innocent Americans. When this bill becomes law, that goal will be realized. Foreign terrorists will no longer be able to use modern technology to elude the grasp of our intelligence network, and critical information on terrorist targets will be obtained in real time. In addition, this bill contains important liability protections for American companies that performed their patriotic duty and assisted the government in the wake of September 11th.

“This day should have come sooner, especially when you consider that it was more than four months ago that the Senate passed bipartisan legislation that would have achieved these aims while protecting our civil liberties. That bill was widely supported by intelligence experts and state attorneys general in both parties. Unfortunately, Democrat leaders in the House chose to put political expediency first, second, and last. It is good to see common sense finally prevail.”