Dutch Ruppersberger: “I would like to rise to address H.R. 514, a bill that would reauthorize three expiring provisions of the Patriot Act…”

“I would like to rise to address H.R. 514, a bill that would reauthorize three expiring provisions of the Patriot Act until December of this year, just 10 months from now. Like the administration, I would like to see a 3-year extension of these authorities until 2013, similar to Senate bill 289 currently pending in the Senate. This longer term would give our Nation's intelligence and law enforcement agencies the predictability and certainty they need to keep our country safe in getting the politics out of intelligence. I believe there's no place for politics when it comes to protecting our country and our very way of life. It must be U.S.A. first. A 3-year extension of these authorities would keep the debate about the Patriot Act out of the heart of the election cycle. I believe including a sunset in the legislation provides the proper checks and balances necessary to ensure we are doing all we can to protect Americans, while also protecting Americans' constitutional rights. There will be people in my party who will be on both sides of this issue. Everyone deserves a voice when it comes to national security.”