Conference Report on S.2845, Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004
Floor Speech
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Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman and our chairman for the hard work they have done along with the other conferees.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this conference report, though not without some reservations. I am encouraged by the bill's reforms to our Nation's Intelligence Community, reforms that would not be before us today without the hard work of the 9/11 Commission and the unwavering commitment of the 9/11 families.
Also, as a member of both the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the Committee on Armed Services, I recognize that timely and accurate intelligence is essential for both the President and our military forces in the fields. So I am pleased that this important issue has been addressed. However, I do have a strong word of caution for my colleagues about some of the provisions that we are enacting today in the name of homeland security.
These provisions establishing new investigatory, surveillance, and information-sharing authorities carry tremendous potential for abuse. I am concerned that these provisions may only be the beginning, and that we could be headed down a dangerous path without ensuring the appropriate checks and balances.
Prior to coming to Congress, I served for 26 ½ years in the United States Border Patrol, from agent to chief, so I know firsthand about our efforts to protect our borders and keep America secure. While I strongly believe in giving our government and law enforcement the tools they need to keep America safe, I also know it is imperative that we have an effective system of checks and balances to protect our rights as Americans.
Mr. Speaker, I will vote for this bill because I believe that reforms to our Intelligence Community are much needed and long overdue. However, as we move forward, I urge my colleagues to be vigilant in ensuring that we do not undermine the very liberties we are trying to protect from terrorists, because it is these liberties that make America the great Nation that it is.
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