[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 125 (Friday, September 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1947-E1948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE MODERNIZATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2006

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5825, 
the ``Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act.''
  Yet again, the Republican Majority has brought legislation to the 
Floor that disregards the rights of American citizens. H.R. 5825 would 
give the executive branch broad discretion to eavesdrop on Americans 
without judicial review or sufficient oversight from Congress.
  Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, we have learned more and more 
about the secret programs run by this Administration that violated 
long-standing U.S. laws and policies. I know that we all agree that 
obtaining intelligence to prevent terrorist attacks is a high priority. 
However, innocent Americans should not have to worry that their phones 
have been tapped or their emails are being read.
  It is a shame that the bill before us today leaves out the sensible 
provisions of the bipartisan Schiff-Flake-Harman-Inglis substitute 
which would require congressional oversight of surveillance programs, 
extends from 72 hours to seven days the amount of time allowed to 
initiate surveillance in an urgent situation before going to the FISA 
court for a warrant, and increase the speed of the FISA process.
  We should be standing up for the Constitution today and not passing 
legislation that tramples all over it.
  I urge my colleagues to vote no.

[[Page E1948]]



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