E-MAIL
FREQUENTLY
SIGN UP
WALZ TAKES ON WHITE HOUSE, CONGRESSIONAL LEADERSHIP FOR FAILING TO FIX THE “PROTECT AMERICA ACT” ON TIME
Walz calls for immediate action to address national security issues and permanently fix legislation
For Immediate Release
Feb 13, 2008
Contact: Meredith Salsbery
507-388-2149
WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, Congressman Tim Walz voted against a 21-day extension of the “Protect America Act” because he believed America’s national security needs were too pressing to kick the decision down the road yet again. The Protect America Act, which passed in August, is temporary legislation that modernizes the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to account for new intelligence-gathering technology in the fight against terrorism. President Bush and Congressional leadership on both sides of the aisle failed in the last six months to produce a permanent bill that adequately balances national security needs and civil liberties. At the end of January, the temporary legislation was extended by 15 days through procedural maneuvering. Today’s vote on an additional 21-day extension represents the second attempt by Congress to delay action on these important national security issues.
“The American people are demanding that Democrats and Republicans work together in Washington, DC to change the priorities and get things done,” said Walz. “I can not in good conscience support another band-aid to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that just keeps kicking tough decisions on this issue down the road for consideration another day,” said Walz. “National security is too important. Let’s fix the bill now and not wait any longer.”
In August of 2007, Walz supported the Protect America Act that made temporary changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to give leaders in both parties time to develop needed, long-term reform that brings accountability to the process and respects individual civil liberties. In October of 2007, Walz wrote to the Chairmen of the House Intelligence and Judiciary Committees urging them to make needed changes (click here to read the letter).
“In my classroom, when I was a teacher there were clear due dates for every homework assignment and there were consequences for not turning it in on time. Congress assigned itself the task of updating FISA by the end of January, and today that important responsibility has been left unfinished,” said Walz. “I urge my colleagues to forego the scheduled congressional recess next week and to go back to work on a bill that protects America’s national security interests.”
“My challenge to the Democratic party is that we must find the political courage to challenge head on any politician who uses fear mongering on national security for pure political motives,” said Walz. “The American people have not only lost patience in President Bush’s overblown rhetoric on this issue, they have grown increasingly distrustful of his arguments.”
 |
