Cole Condemns Time Wasted on Flawed Partisan FISA Attempt

For Immediate Release March 14, 2008

Cole Condemns Time Wasted on Flawed Partisan FISA Attempt
Following Secret Intelligence Briefing, House Needs to Pass Bipartisan Senate Version

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) made the following comments today, joining many of his colleagues calling for Senate-passed FISA modernization reform legislation to be brought to the House floor for consideration and passage.

"Last night, Congress participated in a rare legislative activity that has only been used five times since 1825 and was last used in 1983. This closed session was an opportunity for all members to hear an assessment of our nation's intelligence capabilities and how access to important intelligence has changed since the Protect America Act expired 26 days ago. The briefing gave members a compelling argument for why our country needs modern intelligence and surveillance laws that best protect our citizens."

"The Democrats' FISA proposal that was brought to the floor today is severely flawed. Their proposal requires the Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence to get approval from a special FISA court before the government can monitor communications between suspected foreign terrorists. In a post 9/11 world, it is critical for intelligence to be intercepted in real time so that our country can be informed of the intentions of those who wish us harm. The Democrats' FISA proposal is the pinnacle of partisanship since it is doomed to fail in the Senate and an alternative FISA bill has already been approved."

"The House is remiss not to move forward with the original Senate-passed version of FISA that passed by 68 votes. Those members holding the Senate bill hostage must understand that their actions are severely hampering our nation's ability to monitor terrorists abroad. Our surveillance officials are in the dark because of their inaction. The Senate-passed bill needs to be brought up for a vote before the House as soon as possible. Everyday they wait is another day that America's foreign surveillance officers have a deaf ear to the goings-on of suspected terrorists."

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