George Miller: “I rise to commend Congressmen Conyers and Nadler on crafting a true antiterrorism substitute which balances the…”

“I rise to commend Congressmen Conyers and Nadler on crafting a true antiterrorism substitute which balances the fundamental rights of the American people with a firm stance against domestic and international terrorism. Unfortunately, the Hyde legislation before us today threatens personal liberties and constitutional rights. Once again, the Republicans have taken a great idea--combating terrorism--and turned it into a avalanche of extreme ideas. Why has this bill become bloated with controversial provisions? The answer is simple--leverage. It's time for this body to say enough is enough. The Republican leadership should have learned by now that the American people will not be blackmailed into accepting radical new laws from this Congress. The Hyde bill dramatically weakens the fourth amendment by allowing illegal search and seizures if they are conducted in so-called good faith. It also allows for a sweeping definition of terrorism by politically appointed officials without judicial review. Lastly, the bill places too many limits on the right to appeal a conviction under habeas corpus. I urge Members to vote for the Conyers/Nadler substitute which corrects some of these problems, while retaining the good sections of the underlying bill.”