[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 154 (Wednesday, October 21, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1494]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                      JUDICIAL REDRESS ACT OF 2015

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 20, 2015

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan 
H.R. 1428, the ``Judicial Redress Act of 2015.''
  H.R. 1428 is important bill that will help conclude longstanding 
negotiations to improve the framework for data transfers between law 
enforcement agencies in United States and Europe.
  European nations have long provided privacy protections to U.S. 
citizens and this legislation would reciprocate that practice.
  If enacted, the Judicial Redress Act would extend the legal rights 
granted to American citizens under the 1974 Privacy Act to citizens of 
select foreign nations.
  Specifically, those individuals would be given the ability to seek 
access to records private entities turn over to U.S. government 
officials as part of criminal investigations and they would be able to 
correct those records if they contain false information, as well as get 
redress from the government if those records were turned over 
illegally.
  Under the current law, U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents 
are able to sue the United States for intentional and willful public 
disclosures of law enforcement information that injures those citizens.
  The same rights should be afforded to our closest allies and those we 
entrust with our privacy protection and hold accountable for reciprocal 
offenses.
  Let me express my appreciation to Chairman of the House Judiciary 
Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations, 
Mr. Sensenbrenner and Ranking Member Conyers for their leadership and 
commitment to privacy protection and accountability to our foreign 
allies.
  As a nation that aims to uphold the principles of justice and 
fairness, it is time that we ensure that all those engaged with our 
nation are afforded these core protections.
  The Judicial Redress Act upholds these principles by providing 
critical remedies to citizens of designated U.S. allies who have been 
unfairly targeted by American surveillance and law enforcement 
activities.
  By extending legal rights afforded under the 1974 Privacy Act to 
citizens of select foreign nations, we all benefit.
  Citizens of the United States benefit from privacy protections in 
other countries, and the Judicial Redress Act provides reciprocal trust 
and assurances that our closest allies will be treated fairly and 
justly.
  Strengthening international relationships and building trust backed 
by our government is essential to our national security and economic 
growth.
  Passing the Judicial Redress Act simply is the right thing to do.
  H.R. 1428 will ensure greater cooperation among international law 
enforcement agencies, and encourage these nations to share critical law 
enforcement information with one another.
  H.R. 1428 will also mend critical relationships between American 
businesses and international consumers by restoring trust that 
transnational data will be kept secure and protected.
  International consumers will feel more comfortable sharing their 
information allowing for the free-flow of data and commerce.
  This legislation is endorsed by the Department of Justice and federal 
law enforcement agencies and broadly supported by tech companies and 
businesses, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Trans-Atlantic 
Business Council, the Internet Infrastructure Coalition, and other 
groups.
   The Judicial Redress Act is a step in the right direction to ensure 
continued advancement in the technology industry, international 
corporate competitiveness, and demonstrated leadership in privacy 
protection and upholding foundational legal rights.
  For all of these reasons, I support H.R. 1428 and urge my colleagues 
to join me.

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