Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Charles W. Boustany, Jr., (R-Southwest Louisiana) today demanded House Democratic leaders address real obstacles facing the U.S. Intelligence Community after the Protect America Act expired on February 17, 2008. 

 

“Our Intelligence officials are charged with protecting Americans in the face of real dangers - both abroad and at home,” Boustany said.  “Congress has a responsibility to give the Intelligence Community the tools and resources it needs to effectively gather information and protect American lives, while ensuring our civil liberties. Violent extremists remain a viable threat, and House Democrats need to remember how dangerous these terrorists are.”

 

The House of Representatives today voted on a motion to bring the Protect America Act to the floor for debate. House Democrats defeated the motion, preventing debate and a vote. The Protect America Act, S. 1927, is a bi-partisan measure designed to give national security officials the ability to intercept communication of foreign terrorists without oppressive bureaucracy. Both the House and Senate approved a temporary version of the Protect America Act in August 2007.

 

Prior to a 12-day congressional recess that concluded yesterday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) blocked consideration of the bill, which passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 68-29 and would be quickly signed into law.  Because Congress failed to act, intelligence officials and Members of Congress from both parties confirm that U.S. intelligence has been degraded since the Democratic House Majority allowed the Protect America Act.

 

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