Carney Statement on FISA Bill

Statement

CARNEY STATEMENT ON FISA BILL

Congressman Christopher P. Carney issued the following statement on the bipartisan FISA bill passing in the U.S. House of Representatives:

"Over the last several months, I resisted pressure from the far right to pass anything and everything that would extend FISA, and from the far left to let FISA expire. H.R. 6304 is a well-crafted piece of legislation that will not only keep our country safe, but further strengthens our citizens' Constitutional protections in the FISA law. Rather than succumbing to pressure from the extremes, we put aside partisan politics, worked with the Senate, the intelligence community and the White House to craft the measure that overwhelmingly passed today.

"Once signed into law, this bill will ensure that appropriate checks and balances are in place for any and all future electronic surveillance conducted by the U.S. government. American civil liberties will be protected at home and abroad and there will be no more extended warrantless eavesdropping.

"I support this update to FISA because I pledged—both as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserves and a Member of Congress—to support and defend our Constitution and do what is best for our national security. The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is a vital tool used to fight our enemies and to protect our country."

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer praised Carney's role in passing FISA, "Congressman Carney played an important role in ensuring the House passed intelligence legislation that strengthens our national security and gives the intelligence community the tools and flexibility needed to keep our nation safe. The FISA bill passed today is a significant improvement over previous legislation, and Congressman Carney can be thanked for withstanding pressure from the far right and far left and advocating for the need to take responsible action on this important issue."

H.R. 6304 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives with a vote of 293-129.

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