[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 21 (Thursday, February 10, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 EXTENDING COUNTERTERRORISM AUTHORITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2011

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I firmly believe that we can fight 
terrorism and keep our communities safe without sacrificing the rights 
and liberties that generations of Americans have fought so hard to 
secure. H.R. 514 fails this critical test, and I will vote to oppose 
it.
  Without a single hearing, committee vote, or even the opportunity to 
offer amendments, this legislation extends provisions that give the 
Federal Government sweeping authority to spy on U.S. citizens. One such 
provision allows the government to obtain ``any tangible thing'' in its 
anti-terrorism investigation--including library or bookstore records--
regardless of its relevance to the case. Another provision allows 
federal law enforcement to obtain wiretaps without being required to 
identify the person, building, or business being spied upon to a secret 
court. During the Bush Administration, the Justice Department used this 
authority to illegally wiretap American citizens. Evidence of past 
abuses demand that the Patriot Act be reformed with stricter oversight 
and better safeguards to ensure security does not come at the cost of 
our Constitutional freedoms.
  The threat of terrorism is real and persistent. My first priority as 
a Member of Congress is to keep America safe. Be assured I will 
continue working with President Obama and my colleagues in Congress to 
ensure that all levels of law enforcement have the tools and 
flexibility they require.

                          ____________________