Hoyer Statement on USA Patriot Act

Hoyer Statement on USA Patriot Act
Wednesday, December 14, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) released the following statement concerning passage of H.R. 3199, the "USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act:"

"Today, the House voted to renew the USA PATRIOT Act, preserving the basic framework of the original act while adding protections to safeguard every citizen's constitutional rights. And, as a result, I support this legislation.

"No one should be mistaken: This legislation is not perfect. In fact, it should have done more to protect fundamental civil liberties. Specifically, it should have imposed a more rigorous standard, such as showing that the records sought have some connection to a suspected terrorist or spy, for the government to obtain personal information. Today, the government can do so with a mere showing of ‘relevance.' And it should have imposed a tougher standard for the issuance of National Security Letters, as well as provided the recipients of such letters a stronger right to challenge them.

"However, the bill does include a four-year ‘sunset' - as opposed to the 10-year sunset included in the House-passed version of this bill - on two significant provisions: ‘roving' wiretaps and the FBI's power to demand business and library records. The four-year sunsets are an important improvement. Had this change not been made, I would have opposed this Conference Report. In my judgment, these sunsets - which require Congress to reconsider and reauthorize these measures four years from now - will help us ensure that law enforcement agencies do not abuse these powers.

"It is incumbent upon Congress to oversee the implementation of this Act, and to investigate any evidence of abuse. And I intend to follow this matter carefully to ensure that this happens. In addition, it is essential that the Executive Branch to provide Congress with honest, thorough and timely reports on implementation. Furthermore, our courts must continue to play a critical role in scrutinizing government action under the Act when a citizen's rights are at risk.

"Four years ago, unspeakable acts of terror in the United States served as a wake up call to our country that we face a sinister enemy who is determined to destroy us. I believe the USA PATRIOT Act helps provide our government with some of the tools necessary to try to prevent future attacks on our nation.

"I believe that the bill seeks to balance our security interests with the fundamental civil liberties that all Americans cherish. We must never let it be said that in our effort to protect our nation and its citizens that we let the pendulum swing too far, and that we compromised our liberties. Vigilance in protecting our civil liberties is an imperative that we must not ignore."

http://www.hoyer.house.gov/newsroom/index.asp?ID=555&DocumentType=Press+Release