Pete Sessions: “I would first just express my appreciation for the thoughtfulness and eloquence of the Senator from Maryland. I think…”

“I would first just express my appreciation for the thoughtfulness and eloquence of the Senator from Maryland. I think she has analyzed the matter very well and has called us to a compromise agreement that we should rally around and pass--an agreement that will protect our country and also protect our liberty; and that is, the agreement that came out of the Intelligence Committee 13 to 2. It is the kind of agreement that reflects weeks, even months, of study, both of law and of technology. Our Intelligence Committee, more than our Judiciary Committee, of which I am a member, was deeply involved in exactly what is being done in foreign intelligence and how it was being done. They studied it carefully. There are a lot of members of the Intelligence Committee who would not hesitate to object if they thought what was being done was in error or certainly if it violated our Constitution. As a result, we have moved forward with their bill. Unfortunately, the Senate Judiciary Committee that had referral on the matter has now come forward with additional ideas and proposals that are not wise, in my view. We did not spend nearly as much time on the matter. We are not nearly as involved and knowledgeable of the details of what has gone on as the Intel Committee is. I believe we should not move forward on the Judiciary Committee bill. I opposed it in committee and remain in opposition to it.”