[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 114 (Friday, August 2, 2013)]
[House]
[Pages H5375-H5376]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CALLING FOR THE RESIGNATION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER AND
DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE JAMES CLAPPER
(Mr. FLORES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
Mr. FLORES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the delicate yet
much-needed balance between our national security and the
constitutionally protected liberties of our citizens. In order to
maintain those liberties, I call for the immediate terminations of
Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and Attorney General
Eric Holder. To that extent, I am sending a letter to President Obama
asking that he immediately call for their terminations and/or
resignations.
Mr. Speaker, I do believe that our Nation's surveillance programs
have helped thwart terrorist attacks because of the NSA and FBI
personnel that work on these security activities every day and who are
working hard to comply with the law to protect our constitutional
liberties and to keep America safe.
In contrast to the efforts of those hardworking, law-abiding
personnel, Americans have serious reservations about Attorney General
Holder and DNI Clapper, who are ultimately responsible for the
management of these programs. We remain gravely concerned about their
lack of commitment to follow the law, to be forthright with the
American people and with Congress, and their commitment to protect our
constitutionally guaranteed liberties.
Continued congressional oversight coupled with the terminations of
Clapper and Holder will help restore trust in these important programs
to fight terrorism without compromising our liberties or creating gaps
in our intelligence structure. In addition, their removal may start the
healing process to restore American trust in our Federal Government.
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