Cole: Bipartisan FISA Agreement Protects America and Secures Civil Liberties

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) gave the following comments today after the House passed H.R. 6304, the FISA Amendments Act of 2008. This bill will modernize the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and strengthen our country's terrorist surveillance laws.

"This is a long overdue victory for all Americans," Congressman Cole said. "After months and months of negotiating, we are finally passing legislation that will modernize our foreign intelligence laws. Republicans have pushed for these reforms for a long time now, but I certainly welcome to support and cooperation of the Democrats to get this done."

"We live in a dangerous day and age where our enemies have access to dangerous technology that could be used against us. We need to utilize every tool at our disposal to make sure we know where they are and what they are planning. This legislation is a critical step in the right direction."

"Although this bill is not perfect, it is a bipartisan compromise that meets our country's urgent need to monitor the communications of suspected foreign terrorists. Now our nation's intelligence officers will again be empowered to use their skills and abilities to guard the safety and security of our nation."

"But before passing this bill we also wanted to make sure that Americans' individual liberties were protected. This bill achieves that. It is critical that we always uphold the constitutional rights of American citizens. Americans living within our borders and those living abroad can have confidence that this bill maintains their civil liberties."

"Both U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey and Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell wrote to Speaker Pelosi in support of this bill. In their letter they noted that 'this bill would also provide the necessary legal protections for those companies sued because they are believed to have helped the Government prevent terrorist attacks in the aftermath of September 11.' I am pleased that this bill protects those companies who patriotically stepped in to help the government detect potential terror attacks. They deserve to be commended, not condemned."

"In short, this is an important bill that will provide greater protection for Americans, strengthen our intelligence officials, uphold civil liberties and protect American telecommunications companies that helped us after 9/11."

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