U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security today issued the following statement after voting to oppose the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Amendments Act of 2008:

“After much thought and consideration, I voted to oppose the FISA Amendments Act that I fear would endanger the civil liberties we hold dear as the hallmark of America’s democracy.  I have strong reservations over the legislation’s timing and ability to fully ensure the protection of privacy rights for every American.

“With a new Administration coming to the White House in fewer than six months, and an effective set of FISA rules already in place, I am hesitant to endorse a dramatic security policy change that will not sunset for four whole years.  It is critical that the next President of United States have the ability to shape FISA laws within the framework of a larger national security strategy.  Handcuffing the next Administration is an imprudent way to effectively fight our nation’s War on Terror and ensure that the civil liberties of every American are protected.

“Though improved beyond the Senate bill being pushed by the Administration, this compromise bill does not go far enough to fully protect our privacy rights.  The removal of certain ‘reverse targeting’ protections in this measure leaves open the possibility that those who make a phone call overseas could have their privacy rights violated.

“I appreciate the bipartisan work that House Leadership engaged in to reach this point, but because the ‘reverse targeting’ loophole was not completely closed and because the sunset provision was not shortened, I can not support this legislation which does not serve in the best interest of America’s democracy.” 

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