[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 144 (Thursday, October 21, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H10617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  COSPONSOR THE DEFENSE OF PRIVACY ACT

  (Mr. CHABOT asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, over the last several years, we have 
witnessed a drastic increase in the number of Federal Government 
proposals which erode personal privacy rights and other important civil 
liberties. These misguided proposals, such as the Federal banking 
regulators' so-called ``Know Your Customer'' scheme, clearly 
demonstrate that the Federal agencies continue to promulgate rules and 
dictate policy without consideration for the ultimate ramifications on 
the privacy of American families.
  To prevent such assaults in the future, I am introducing the Defense 
of Privacy Act. My legislation will require all Federal agencies to 
assess the privacy implications of proposed rules and regulations.
  Mr. Speaker, this commonsense reform will help agencies focus on 
important privacy issues while strengthening the privacy rights of 
every American. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this important 
legislation. Let us do all we can to keep Big Brother at bay.

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