Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment. Mr. Chair, like all the amendments offered by HPSCI, this amendment drastically expands the scope of FISA. This amendment will actually change the definition of ``electronic communication service provider'' to require a whole new class of businesses and other entities to assist in FISA section 702 surveillance. When the amendment first came out 1\1/2\ months ago, it caused a massive commotion, as can be imagined. One of the FISA amici did something highly unusual. He went public with a warning. He confirmed that the amendment originally was exactly as broad as it looked, in that it could force hotels, libraries, and coffee shops to serve as surrogate spies because, of course, customers in those establishments might well be engaging in international communications, which would transit over the WiFi equipment in those locations. That was the original. Therefore, the amendment sponsors threw in an exemption for hotels, libraries, coffee shops and a handful of other establishments, but that hardly solves the problem because the vast majority of U.S. businesses are not exempted. Hence, the amendment would still apply to grocery stores, department stores, hardware stores, barber shops, laundromats, fitness centers, nail salons. Perhaps most worrisome of all, it would apply to business landlords who rent out office space and provide WiFi for their building.…”