Providing for Consideration of H.R. 6304, FISA Amendments Act of 2008

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. MCGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I will oppose the underlying FISA bill.

Yes, this represents a compromise. It is better than what President Bush first proposed. But, that's not good enough. That's not a high enough standard.

I want to remind my colleagues that what we are debating today is something very serious. We are talking about our most basic civil liberties and civil rights. And when it comes to those issues and principles we must be very, very careful.

This compromise still provides immunity for telecom companies that may have participated in President Bush's illegal surveillance program and it fails to adequately protect the privacy rights of law abiding, innocent American citizens. Furthermore, the bill has a four year sunset provision which, in my view, is much too long.

I know that we live in a dangerous world. I am well aware that there are some who want to do us harm. It is for that reason I understand the need to update our laws to better protect our people.

I continue to believe that we can do that--without turning our backs on the values and principles that make America unique and great. This bill goes too far. I urge a ``no'' vote.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source