[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 178 (Friday, December 9, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S7036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 634--AFFIRMING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SECURITY AND 
               PRIVACY OF THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES

  Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mr. Schatz, and Mr. Coons) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 634

       Whereas the highest priority of Congress should be ensuring 
     the safety, security, and constitutional freedoms of the 
     United States and the people of the United States;
       Whereas technology has become a critical component of 
     everyday life;
       Whereas the people of the United States store the most 
     sensitive personal information on digital devices and with 
     cloud services;
       Whereas criminals and terrorists have used digital 
     communications to perpetrate unlawful conduct;
       Whereas protecting the national security and safety of 
     communities in the United States should not come at the cost 
     of diminished protections under the Fourth Amendment to the 
     Constitution of the United States;
       Whereas the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the 
     United States is a cornerstone of freedom for the people of 
     the United States;
       Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States and Federal 
     laws recognize certain privacy rights and interests in the 
     digital information and communications of the people of the 
     United States; and
       Whereas preserving privacy and security is essential for 
     the continued growth of the digital economy: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate that--
       (1) the United States should recognize the need to protect 
     the safety, security, and personal privacy of all people of 
     the United States;
       (2) legal and policy changes that impact the security of 
     the United States and the civil liberties of the people of 
     the United States should be made with the consideration of 
     Congress, the executive branch, and the people of the United 
     States; and
       (3) in considering the changes described in paragraph (2), 
     the United States should recognize the global and economic 
     implications of the security and privacy policies of the 
     United States.
  Mr. DAINES. Mr. President, technology has become a critical part of 
our everyday lives. We use our computers and smart phones to 
communicate with our friends and family, conduct business, and to share 
information. The amount of sensitive personal information we store on 
our devices and in the cloud is astonishing, from financial records to 
passwords to personal conversations. It is more important now than ever 
before to secure and protect our personal information.
  Criminals also use technology to commit crimes and to hide their 
identities. Law enforcement faces tremendous challenges in protecting 
our country from domestic and international threats. They need tools 
and resources that allow them to face 21st century threats.
  While security should be a top priority for our nation, it must not 
come at the cost of diminished constitutional rights. The Constitution 
and Congress have recognized certain privacy rights and interests in 
digital communications.
  U.S. security and privacy policies have global economic impacts, and 
preserving personal security and privacy is essential for the continued 
growth of the economy. We must carefully balance our privacy and 
security interests, and changes to policies that impact our civil 
liberties must be made with the consideration of Congress and the 
American people.
  That is why today I submit a resolution to affirm the importance of 
the security and privacy of Americans. This resolution recognizes our 
national security needs, our civil liberties, and the need to carefully 
balance the two.

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