FISA Amendments Act of 2008

Floor Speech

FISA Amendments Act of 2008

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. PUTNAM. I thank my friend for the time.

Mr. Speaker, much of what we debate down here often is theoretical. We say if this passes, we believe this will happen. If this fails, we believe that will happen. Much of it is speculative. It is our opinions coming down here and directing, gazing into the future about what we think will happen.

Much in this toxic atmosphere that is Washington that we debate is very partisan. This issue is neither theoretical nor partisan. It is not theoretical anymore, because this is now the 27th day that we have denied our intelligence agencies and law enforcement officials the tools they need to keep America safe.

It is not partisan because the bill that we are asking you to vote for and support here in a few minutes already passed the Senate with 68 Senators voting for it. It was voted out on a bipartisan basis.

Now, anyone who follows the activities of the Senate knows that they have a hard time getting 68 votes for a Mother's Day resolution. For them to find 68 votes on an issue of this magnitude is remarkable.

The only way that we can put back into place the provisions of the Protect America Act that allow us to prevent future plots and conspiracies and attacks on our homeland is to pass the Senate bill. If we do not pass the Senate bill today, Congress will leave for 2 more weeks, 2 more weeks that we will deny the eyes and ears to our law enforcement and intelligence officials who keep us safe.

Now, let me just draw attention to the fact that 21 Blue Dog Democrats have put their names to a letter saying pass the Senate bill; 68 Senators have voted to pass the Senate bill. The bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee said, and I quote, ``Electronic communication service providers acted in good faith on a good faith belief that the President's program and their assistance was lawful.''

This is not a theoretical debate. This is an important tool that we must restore to the hands of our intelligence agencies before Congress goes home for 2 more weeks. This is an example of the tyranny of the few blocking the will of the many. It is not just Republicans who say we need to pass this. It is Senator Rockefeller, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee. It is 21 Blue Dog Democrats.

It is 25 States' attorneys general. This is too important to let it slip through our fingers before we go home for 2 weeks. Pass the previous question. Deem the Senate bill passed and give those who stand on alert as the guardians of our freedom and liberty, liberty and security on a daily basis, what they need to continue to keep us safe.

Don't extend the 27 days of darkness for another 2 weeks. Give them the tools they need. Pass the previous question. Pass the Senate bill.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source