On the recordMay 22, 2014
I am prepared to close, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. The USA FREEDOM Act is a bipartisan compromise that is strongly supported by the administration. Our bill protects privacy and civil liberties while also protecting national security. I urge members to support the USA FREEDOM Act. Nothing in this bill will legalize bulk collection. Unfortunately, there are those Members that are saying this will legalize bulk collection. It is clear that this bill--read the bill--states: there will be no more bulk collection by the government. That is what the bill says, end of story. This bill balances the issue of taking care and protecting our country from people and individuals who want to kill us and attack us and our allies. But yet it also does what is so important to Americans: to make sure that we protect our constitutional rights and our privacy. It is a balance--it is Republicans, Democrats, left, right, in the middle--coming together and doing what is right for this country. This is what this body should do. We are asking for a ``yes'' vote on the USA FREEDOM Act. Also, in closing, I want to acknowledge the leadership of Chairman Rogers and his important leadership that has allowed us to get to this level, the Judiciary Committee, Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Conyers, and also Mr. Sensenbrenner. I yield back the balance of my time.
