Mike Levin: “I will not vote to invoke cloture on the National Intelligence reform bill at this time. This legislation reforming the…”

“I will not vote to invoke cloture on the National Intelligence reform bill at this time. This legislation reforming the intelligence agencies of our Government is a critical step in strengthening our national defense and our homeland security. If this cloture vote succeeds, it will prematurely cut off debate and prevent relevant amendments which could improve this legislation from being considered by the Senate. There are about 57 amendments currently pending before the Senate on this bill and perhaps half will be prevented from even being considered if cloture is invoked. This is far-reaching and complex legislation which reorganizes the basic elements of our intelligence community. We cannot afford to get it wrong or we will end up making us less secure. We owe it to our constituents and the Nation, if necessary, to stay a few days longer in Washington and finish the job right. Frustrating the right of Senators to offer relevant amendments aimed at improving this legislation is unwise.”