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Rep. Johnson Votes to Strengthen Anti- Terrorism Measures

Press Release

Date: March 14, 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Technology and Communication

Congressman Hank Johnson, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, today voted for an amended version of the RESTORE Act (H.R. 3773). The legislation grants new powers for conducting electronic surveillance against foreign targets while maintaining the requirement for a FISA court order, based on probable cause, when targeting Americans at home or abroad. The bill does not allow retroactive immunity for telecom companies but grants courts the authority to determine whether lawsuits should proceed.

"This bill is crucial to Homeland Security as we ratchet up our fight against terrorists," said Rep. Johnson. "Yet, it was equally important that we protect citizen rights in the process and not overstep Constitutional boundaries."

According to Rep. Johnson, the legislation features transparency provisions such as reports on the President's warrant less surveillance program and a sunset date of December 31, 2009 which coincides with that of the PATRIOT Act.


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