C. A. Dutch Ruppersberger: “the PATRIOT Act provided tools essential to identifying and tracking terrorists that were not available before the 9/11…”

“the PATRIOT Act provided tools essential to identifying and tracking terrorists that were not available before the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At the time it passed, just 7 weeks after 9/11, there were concerns that some of the authorities were too broad and susceptible to abuse. The sensible proposal emerged to sunset 16 of the most controversial provisions. Sunsets matter. They forced the Justice Department and the American public to evaluate the appropriateness of, and need for, the PATRIOT Act. Without sunsets, Congress probably would not have undertaken the same review of key provisions this year and considered significant changes to the law. For those reasons I offered an amendment to extend the PATRIOT Act sunset during the Intelligence Committee markup of H.R. 3199. I am pleased this conference report includes 4-year sunsets on the most controversial provisions: 215 orders, 206 roving wiretaps, and the Lone Wolf provision. But additional steps, however, must be taken to ensure the right balance is struck between security and constitutionality. Congress must engage in vigilant oversight of the PATRIOT Act, national security letters, and other authorities granted to law enforcement and intelligence agencies. I am committed to doing my part as a member of the House Select Intelligence Committee to ensure proper oversight occurs.”