[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 28, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H4688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
NATIONAL SECURITY LEAKS
(Mr. PRICE of Georgia asked and was given permission to address the
House for 1 minute.)
Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in frustration over
the recent leak by the New York Times of a vital national security
program. In a time of global war, this leak is a disgrace to all
Americans and especially a disgrace to those risking their lives every
day to keep us safe.
This disclosure raises grave concerns about why some in the media
seem determined time and again to simply hand over our playbook to
barbaric terrorists. Our ability to emerge victorious in this war on
terror hinges on the success of these legal, appropriate and needed
programs.
This is a war that more than any other in our history relies heavily
on sophisticated data gathering. Giving away these details only
empowers our enemy. Freedom of the press is an important right.
However, the media must practice responsibility with classified
intelligence.
Not just American prosperity is on the line, Mr. Speaker. These
counterterrorism programs exist solely to protect the lives and the
freedoms of American citizens. It is time that American lives are given
greater priority than selling more newspapers.
____________________