Burgess: Protecting Special Interests Instead of the American People is the Wrong Prescription for Keeping us Safe

Press Release

Burgess: Protecting Special Interests Instead of the American People is the Wrong Prescription for Keeping Us Safe

U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-Texas) today voted against the latest Foreign Intelligence Surveillance bill offered by the Democratic majority in the House of Representatives. He issued the following statement as the House was set to adjourn for two weeks without passing bipartisan legislation to combat terrorism and keep America safe:

"Protecting special interests instead of the American people is the wrong prescription for keeping us safe. This bill is a victory for trial lawyers and Moveon.org, not the American people.

With each day that passes, we remain less safe until Congress cleans up the legal uncertainties facing companies who assisted our government in the days after September 11, 2001. These companies should be thanked for their service, not punished with unending litigation. It is a simple equation: if corporations face a lawsuit each time they assist their government, they will not want to help.

It is unconscionable that the House of Representatives is again taking a break instead of providing the intelligence community with the vital surveillance tools it desperately needs. Passing bipartisan legislation to protect Americans must be a top priority upon Congress' return to Washington."

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