Barney Frank: “I was struck by reading the findings. Members will be pleased to know that if they vote for this amendment, they will be…”

“I was struck by reading the findings. Members will be pleased to know that if they vote for this amendment, they will be certifying the American Civil Liberties Union as an expert on the interpretation of the first amendment. Now, I often agree with the ACLU on the First Amendment, not on some other amendments, but I think this is a new height in freedom of expression. Look at finding 16 on page 12: Whether it is the American Civil Liberties Union or the counsel to National Right to Life, experts have thoughtfully explained this need. I am sure the ACLU appreciates the gentleman from Illinois's very occasional endorsement, because I must say, having served on the Committee on the Judiciary with him for years, I do not remember too many other occasions when he and the ACLU have agreed on constitutionality; not on the antiterrorism bill. In fact, I agree with the gentleman from Indiana. I do not think we should vote for things that we think are unconstitutional. That is why I have consistently voted against the censorship of the Internet which this House passes every other year, and, in the alternative year, the Supreme Court throws out.”