[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 52 (Thursday, March 26, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E786]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE BORDER SECURITY SEARCH ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2009

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                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 26, 2009

  Ms. LORETTA SANCHEZ of California. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor 
today to call attention to the Border Security Search Accountability 
Act of 2009, which I will be introducing in the House today.
  With the support of 16 bipartisan, original cosponsors, the bill will 
call on the Department of Homeland Security to establish strict 
guidelines for Customs and Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs 
Enforcement's electronic device seizure policy.
  It is important to ensure that Customs and Border agents have the 
tools necessary to go after potential terrorists.
  This bill allows for the appropriate search, review, retention and 
sharing of information on an individual's electronic device as it is 
necessary for security purposes.
  Equally important is the need to protect the rights of travelers, and 
especially American citizens.
  My legislation ensures that when an individual's property is seized 
at a point of entry, there is a well-defined procedure in place that 
will protect their privacy and electronic data, especially the doctor-
patient and attorney-client privileges.
  This legislation also requires the Department of Homeland Security to 
post information about individuals' rights related to border searches 
in visible areas near the search points, so that individuals will 
understand their rights if their property is seized.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

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