Providing for Consideration of H.R. Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act; Providing for Consideration of H.R. Extending Limits of U.S. Customs Waters Act; Providing for Consideration of H. Res. Denouncing the Biden Administration's Immigration Policies; and Providing for Consideration of H. Res. Opposing Efforts to Place One-Sided Pressure on Israel with Respect to Gaza

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Massie), my friend, for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I do rise today in support of the rule and the underlying legislation. It is a new day in the House of Representatives, and I intend to make certain that this process works and it works for all of us; that all Members get to be heard and at the end of the day, as Mr. Massie points out; and that after a fulsome debate, we are able to move forward for the American people.

I will specifically talk today on H.R. 7888, the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, and H. Res. 1117, Opposing Efforts to Place One-Sided Pressure on Israel with Respect to Gaza.

Republicans remain concerned about the abuses that occurred under 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in previous administrations. The rule before us provides consideration for reforms to FISA, including greater transparency and greater oversight for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, in total, 56 reforms were made in response to concerns raised by our constituents. These reforms include prohibiting searches by the FBI unrelated to national security and prohibits political appointees from being involved in the FBI's query process.

The Rules Committee met last night to report this rule out of committee. It was a bit of a process. There are two significant changes to highlight from earlier in the week. The Rules Committee print changes the reauthorization from 5 years to 2 years, which is important.

The reforms that are now incorporated in the new FISA reauthorization will be reevaluated by the next Congress as to whether or not they are actually working. Therefore, rather than a 5-year reauthorization, we can look again in 2 years to make certain, for our constituents, for the American people, that these reforms are actually working.

I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Roy), my friend, for bringing that forward.

There are also changes in the reauthorization that strike section 19(c) from the text altogether. The latter action was taken amid some confusion about whether 19(c) would have unintentionally permanently reauthorized section 702. To help clear up any ambiguity, that section has now been removed. Ultimately, this legislation will ensure that the appropriate guardrails are in place to safeguard Americans' constitutional rights and help keep Americans safe.

Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I express my support for H. Res. 1117, offered by Ms. Salazar from Florida.

Israel has a right to defend itself, especially after the notorious attack by Hamas on October 7.

On April 4, after a call between President Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the White House released a press release stating that an immediate cease-fire is necessary.

I would remind the White House that a cease-fire was in existence prior to the attack by Hamas. It is not right for the United States to pressure an ally to end a conflict that that ally did not begin. Mr. Speaker, Israel has a right to exist and a right to self-defense. The United States does not get to decide that for Israel.

I would underscore the pathways for ensuring humanitarian aid, being able to enter Gaza and actually reach the Palestinian people and not be hijacked by their Hamas overlords. On April 5, Israel opened up three new corridors for humanitarian aid. I appreciate the efforts to take responsibility for something Hamas has proven unwilling to do and hope that the conflict can soon come to an end.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding additional time.

However, one-sided pressure by the White House is not the way to ensure that end.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this rule from our committee, and I urge passage of the underlying legislation.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source