Political Quotes

“Mr. President, in the aftermath of the horrific tragedy in Orlando, Americans are understandably concerned about whether law enforcement and intelligence officials have the tools they need to keep our people safe. I share these concerns and have for quite some time. In 2013, I proposed that the government be authorized to obtain phone, email, and other records immediately in emergency situations and then after the fact come back for court review. That proposal I made in 2013 became law as part of the USA FREEDOM Act--it is section 102 of the USA FREEDOM Act--and as of today, that legislation I authored gives the FBI more authority to move immediately when they believe it is essential to protect the safety and well-being of Americans and our families. I don't take a backseat to anybody when it comes to supporting efforts that are going to do everything possible to make Americans safer in their communities. So right now--and this is so often the case after a tragedy--when Americans want to be safer and they want their liberties, all too often proposals are advanced that in so many instances don't do much of either. It is for that reason that I have come to the floor to express my concern about the sweeping surveillance amendment that was proposed this morning by the senior Senator from Texas.…”