Myth Versus Reality

MYTH VERSUS REALITY -- (House of Representatives - February 14, 2006)

(Ms. FOXX asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, since the revelation of the National Security Agency's terrorist surveillance program, we have heard all sorts of hysterics from the other side of the aisle. I think now is the time to separate myth from reality.

Allegations that the NSA program is illegal are a myth. The reality is that the President's authority to authorize this program is firmly based in both his constitutional authority as Commander-in-Chief and in the authorization for use of military force which passed Congress after 9/11.

Allegations that the NSA program is a domestic eavesdropping program used to spy on innocent Americans are a myth. The reality is that this program is narrowly focused, aimed only at international calls and targeted at al Qaeda and related groups. There are safeguards in place to protect the civil liberties of Americans.

Allegations that NSA activities violate the fourth amendment are a myth. The reality is that that program is consistent with the Constitution's protections of civil liberties, including fourth amendment protections.

There are people who want you to believe this program is targeting average Americans. Nothing could be further from the truth.

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