Darrell Issa: “I will read from the actual language, as amended, the bill before us today that says, ``Notice of rights when Federal…”

“I will read from the actual language, as amended, the bill before us today that says, ``Notice of rights when Federal employees engage in certain actions.'' It says: A notice of an individual's right to record conversations with employees shall be included in any written material provided by an executive agency. Mr. Speaker, that's the only notice that's required in this bill. And that's simply, quite frankly, to let people know that it's a 50-State right, where today it's a 39-State right. I appreciate the fact that unions and associations representing Federal employees have made statements. I just don't appreciate the fact that they've gotten the details of the actual bill wrong--and knowingly wrong, based on the dates of their letter. More importantly, let's understand, this bill does not require verbal notice of a right to record given by a Federal official. It does not compromise that. More importantly, in 39 States, the public has this right; and in the other States, in most cases, the worst that would happen would be, if a person pulled it out, they might not be able to use it when trying to defend themselves. But most important, this bill does not override existing Federal wiretap laws. Of course, if somebody's talking classified on an open telephone, yes, I'd like it recorded because I'd like them to be able to make the case that classified information is being inappropriately talked for.…”