Rep. Nadler Opposes FISA “Compromise” Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), Chair of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties today expressed his objections to H.R. 6304, the FISA Amendments Act.  That bill is expected to be considered by the House on Friday.

“I regret that I cannot vote for the FISA Amendments Act,” said Rep. Nadler.  “While the wiretapping provisions of the bill are far superior to earlier versions, they are still insufficient to protect adequately the privacy of ordinary Americans.  While the bill purports not to grant immunity to the telecommunications companies, it is in fact a mere fig leaf that effectively provides a complete legal shield to the companies for the invasions of privacy and illegal activities they may have committed.  This violates the fundamental American principle that people are entitled to their day in court, and that the courts, not Congress, decide whether people were injured by the illegal acts of others.  It is unacceptable for Congress to protect private companies from lawsuits filed by people they may have harmed through illegal actions.”