Melvin Watt: “since 9/11, numerous groups have found that, along with the imperative to enhance the flow of information necessary to…”

“since 9/11, numerous groups have found that, along with the imperative to enhance the flow of information necessary to detect, combat, and prevent future acts of terrorism, comes a parallel and increased imperative to protect the privacy and civil liberties of individuals. These groups believe that balancing security and liberty is not only possible but fundamental to the fight against terror. In other words, they believe that individuals should have personal rights and privacy even after 9/11. The report of the 9/11 Commission was equally clear on this point, stating that, ``The shift of power and authority to the government calls for an enhanced system of checks and balances to protect the precious liberties that are vital to our way of life.'' Chief among the Commission's recommendations was the recommendation that an entity within the executive branch be established ``to look across the government at the actions we are taking to protect ourselves to ensure that liberty concerns are appropriately considered.'' That was a clear unequivocal recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. I find it astonishing that this bill that we are considering today completely ignores this recommendation and fails to create a board to protect the civil liberties of the American people. Refusing to establish a civil liberties watchdog is an insult to the unanimous bipartisan 9/11 Commission report and an affront to the values we cherish.”