Protecting Our Country and Our Civil Liberties
As your Representative, I strive daily to fulfill the oath of office I took when I was sworn in as the Congressman for the 19th district. I pledged to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States. The Founders constructed a document that protects our individual liberties and freedoms, but also establishes a national defense to guard against our enemies. Every time I vote, I consider whether it's in the best interest of my constituents, and whether it makes our country stronger. Last week, during debate on Defense appropriations, I voted on two amendments that address the National Security Agency's (NSA) data collection program. I believe both votes uphold my pledge to you and to our Constitution.
I voted for the Nugent amendment (# 99), which prohibits NSA from targeting a U.S. person or acquiring and storing the content of American's communications, including phone calls and e-mails. It reaffirms the 4th Amendment of the Constitution, and protects our civil liberties. I voted against Representative Amash's amendment (#100) because it would have completely eliminated the NSA's data surveillance program. This program has thwarted dozens of potential attacks against American citizens.
I have had classified briefings from our military community and I can tell you this program has been very effective. While I can't share the classified information on attacks that have been prevented, I can tell you that what has been leaked about this program has inaccuracies and half-truths. According to one source, this program has been one of our most effective tools to thwart terrorism. I can also tell you that many safeguards are in place to protect our privacy. In addition to classified briefings, I have discussed this program with several members of the House Intelligence Committee, which is in charge of overseeing our national intelligence efforts.
You already know that the NSA isn't collecting individual's information--just numbers and times. I want to assure you that those records aren't looked at unless there has been some event connecting a certain number to a foreign terrorist organization. What's more, the NSA cannot get information on the content of any communication without first getting a separate, specific court order.
I understand this is an important issue and not without controversy. The American people, including the good folks in the West Texas and the Big Country, are divided on this, and I can understand why. Some say, "I don't have anything to hide and want you to do what is necessary to keep me safe," while others say, "I don't want the government using those measures, period." My job is to make sure that somehow we find the right balance. To that end I will continue to monitor this issue and make sure the right balance is maintained.
Defunding Obamacare
I'm also working to stop the implementation of Obamacare. I've signed on to a letter that will be sent this week to House leadership urging them to take a stand against the Administration and defund Obamacare through the appropriations process. I've voted to repeal and defund Obamacare more than 35 times, and I'll keep up this effort until we're rid of this bad policy.
This week in the House will be focused on reining in the government and stopping the Administration's power grabs. House Republicans are voting on ten bills to Stop Government Abuse. We'll vote to get the IRS out of your healthcare decisions, to stop government waste on expensive conferences, and to make the government more accountable. Too many Washington politicians have forgotten the basic truth of our country: the federal government works for you -- and not the other way around. Visit www.cosponsor.gov to let us know which bills you support, and share your thoughts on twitter with #stopgovtabuse.
Share Your Thoughts With Me in Graham
I'll be visiting Graham on Thursday, August 8th to hold a town hall listening session. Please come join me at 8:30am at the American Legion Building. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.