Capito: New FISA Bill is More of the Same

Press Release

Capito: New FISA Bill is More of the Same

Majority's RESTORE Act is Mere Window-Dressing

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) today strongly criticized yet another measure offered by the Democratic Majority that would reverse important reforms to our nation's intelligence gathering efforts.

"This is a repeat of the bill the House considered last month," said Capito. "Despite a bit of window-dressing, this bill still fails to adequately equip our intelligence community to track and monitor foreign terrorists. As terrorist groups adapt and modernize their efforts, we must ensure that our intelligence gatherers have the flexibility they need to counter that threat."

The RESTORE Act was initially brought before the House in October, but was pulled from the floor by the Majority leadership before a vote could be taken. Rep. Capito opposed the original bill because it would have re-opened a loophole that prevented the intelligence community from monitoring certain types of terrorist communications.

In August, Rep. Capito supported House passage of the Protect America Act to close the terrorist loophole. The Protect America Act passed the House with bipartisan support, but would be undercut by the RESTORE Act.

Due to advances in technology, even calls between two international terrorists using international phone numbers may be routed through the United States. Under the RESTORE Act, intelligence gatherers would be restricted in their access to those conversations.

"We must protect the rights of the American public," said Capito. "But we need not extend those same rights to foreign terrorists."

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