FROM CONGRESSMAN ADAM SMITH
Thank you for contacting me in support for H.R. 1526, the Security and Freedom Ensured (SAFE) Act of 2005. I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns with me on this matter.
You will be pleased to know that I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1526, the SAFE Act. This legislation would amend several particularly controversial provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act. Specifically, the SAFE Act would request that sections 213 (relating to sneak and peek warrants), 216 (relating to pen registers and trap and trace devices), 219 (relating to national search warrants) and 505 (relating to national security letters) sunset on December 31, 2005.
As you know, the PATRIOT Act was passed as an emergency response to threats to America after the 9/11 attacks and I believe Congress must insist on a thorough review of the bill which can best be accomplished by provisions sunsetting. We cannot be governed by politics or perceptions when legislating, especially on issues as important as our security and our civil liberties. I believe the SAFE Act is the right first step in amending the PATRIOT Act. It is my hope that Congress will take their process seriously by holding hearings on the PATRIOT Act and closely reviewing all sections of the bill.
The House Judiciary Committee, of which I am a member, began holding hearings on the PATRIOT Act with testimony from the Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales on April 6, 2005. I look forward to participating in further hearings and debates on this issue as Congress considers reauthorizing sections PATRIOT Act.
Please be assured I will work to ensure security of the United States while respecting and protecting our civil rights and civil liberties. Currently, H.R. 1526 is under review in the House Judiciary and Intelligence (Permanent Select) Committees. Should this legislation come to the House floor, please be assured I will support it.
Again, I want to thank you for contacting me on this important matter. If you have any additional questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Adam Smith
Member of Congress
You will be pleased to know that I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1526, the SAFE Act. This legislation would amend several particularly controversial provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act. Specifically, the SAFE Act would request that sections 213 (relating to sneak and peek warrants), 216 (relating to pen registers and trap and trace devices), 219 (relating to national search warrants) and 505 (relating to national security letters) sunset on December 31, 2005.
As you know, the PATRIOT Act was passed as an emergency response to threats to America after the 9/11 attacks and I believe Congress must insist on a thorough review of the bill which can best be accomplished by provisions sunsetting. We cannot be governed by politics or perceptions when legislating, especially on issues as important as our security and our civil liberties. I believe the SAFE Act is the right first step in amending the PATRIOT Act. It is my hope that Congress will take their process seriously by holding hearings on the PATRIOT Act and closely reviewing all sections of the bill.
The House Judiciary Committee, of which I am a member, began holding hearings on the PATRIOT Act with testimony from the Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales on April 6, 2005. I look forward to participating in further hearings and debates on this issue as Congress considers reauthorizing sections PATRIOT Act.
Please be assured I will work to ensure security of the United States while respecting and protecting our civil rights and civil liberties. Currently, H.R. 1526 is under review in the House Judiciary and Intelligence (Permanent Select) Committees. Should this legislation come to the House floor, please be assured I will support it.
Again, I want to thank you for contacting me on this important matter. If you have any additional questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Adam Smith
Member of Congress
posted by T. Scott Brineman at 10:08 AM
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