Chris Coons: “I thank my colleagues, Senator Wyden and Senator Daines. They have worked tirelessly to address this pressing issue of…”

“I thank my colleagues, Senator Wyden and Senator Daines. They have worked tirelessly to address this pressing issue of the pending change to privacy protections contained in a proposed change to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. As you have heard, if Congress fails to act today and thoroughly consider and debate these rule changes, they will go into effect at midnight tonight. They will take effect tomorrow, December 1. I believe it is essential that these rules strike a careful balance, giving law enforcement the tools they need to investigate cyber attacks and cyber crimes to keep us safe while also protecting Americans' constitutional rights to freedom from unreasonable searchs, our right to privacy. Neither the Senate nor House has held a single hearing or markup to evaluate these changes to the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The body of government closest to the people has utterly failed to weigh in on an issue that can immediately and directly impact our constituents-- our citizens. While the proposed changes are not necessarily bad or good, they are serious and present significant privacy concerns that warrant careful consideration and debate.…”