On the recordFebruary 16, 2011
Mr. Speaker, this Patriot Act really speaks to our very core identity as Americans. How do we balance what makes it special to be an American--with our unprecedented levels of rights that we enjoy, our privacy as individuals, our civil liberties--and reconcile that with staying safe in an incredibly complex world? I think it is critical for any of us who are concerned about the unchecked growth of this state, those of us who seriously believe in protecting the rights and liberties of Americans, to seriously look at these issues and debate them. A 'no' vote on the rule and the bill is the first step towards accomplishing that. I would submit that this Patriot Act and balancing our civil liberties with our security is as important a topic with regard to what it means to be an American as is making cuts in our budget.
