On the recordDecember 9, 2016
technology has become a critical part of our everyday lives. We use our computers and smart phones to communicate with our friends and family, conduct business, and to share information. The amount of sensitive personal information we store on our devices and in the cloud is astonishing, from financial records to passwords to personal conversations. It is more important now than ever before to secure and protect our personal information. Criminals also use technology to commit crimes and to hide their identities. Law enforcement faces tremendous challenges in protecting our country from domestic and international threats. They need tools and resources that allow them to face 21st century threats. While security should be a top priority for our nation, it must not come at the cost of diminished constitutional rights. The Constitution and Congress have recognized certain privacy rights and interests in digital communications. U.S. security and privacy policies have global economic impacts, and preserving personal security and privacy is essential for the continued growth of the economy. We must carefully balance our privacy and security interests, and changes to policies that impact our civil liberties must be made with the consideration of Congress and the American people. That is why today I submit a resolution to affirm the importance of the security and privacy of Americans.…
Source
govinfo.gov




