Roy Blunt: “We need to modernize FISA to keep up with changes in communications technology and the continually evolving tactics of…”

“We need to modernize FISA to keep up with changes in communications technology and the continually evolving tactics of our terrorist enemies. But rather than responding to this need, this legislation actually impedes the intelligence community's ability to conduct effective investigations and to prevent future terrorist attacks. This act requires FISA court orders for the first time for thousands of overseas terrorist targets. The Director of National Intelligence, Admiral McConnell, has described this requirement as unworkable and impractical. This act contains a sunset date which fails to provide the certainty under the law that our intelligence community needs to effectively do its job. It doesn't provide the liability protections for telephone companies and other carriers that assisted the government after 9/11 who now have a flurry of harassing lawsuits facing them. In fact, this bill will restore the intelligence gap that existed prior to our actions the 1st of August. I urge this legislation be defeated.”