(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today offered the following statement regarding the federal court ruling in Detroit calling the Republican Administration’s warrantless wiretapping program unconstitutional:

“I was not surprised to learn that a federal judge has ordered the Republican Administration to stop its warrantless wiretapping program. The Administration of President George W. Bush has once again been called to answer for their terrible judgment.  I have long stated that warrantless wiretapping is in clear violation of existing law intended to protect Americans' civil liberties.

“While this opinion today is a positive development, I am disappointed that the Republican majority in Congress hasn't already held the President accountable for this program.  Since learning of the President’s decision to expand domestic surveillance of U.S. citizens beyond what is currently permitted, I have continually expressed deep dismay over those reports and called for Congressional action. 

“As a member of the House Armed Services and Homeland Security Committees, I am fully aware of the dangers posed by those who wish to harm Americans, and I have strongly supported efforts to make our nation safer.  However, President Bush has not yet explained to my satisfaction why powers available to him under existing law cannot meet the needs of the war on terrorism. 

“For example, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) already permits the warrantless surveillance of communications by U.S. citizens under certain limited circumstances.  Nevertheless, the Bush Administration did not use those emergency powers and instead chose to expand the authority of the National Security Agency (NSA).  The President’s decision to expand domestic surveillance, while notifying only a handful of legislators, does not constitute Congressional consent and is a danger to our established Constitutional system of checks and balances.  If President Bush believes that FISA needs to be altered or updated to address new threats, he should make his case to Congress and propose legislative changes. 

“While Americans may disagree about the merits of broadening the government's authority to combat terrorism, it is in all of our interests that such important decisions should be made publicly, as they affect the very values of freedom and liberty on which the nation was founded.”

Most recently, in June, Langevin supported an amendment to the Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2007 that would have prohibited funding for surveillance programs not in compliance with the safeguards in FISA.  Unfortunately, it failed by a vote of 207-219.  Langevin has also requested that a Special Counsel be appointed to investigate reports of the NSA’s domestic eavesdropping. 

“I will keep fighting in Congress to ensure that we can protect the American people while safeguarding civil liberties,” continued Langevin.

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