Sheila Jackson Lee: “I acknowledge the ranking member and the chairman of the important Oversight and Reform Committee and the work that they…”

“I acknowledge the ranking member and the chairman of the important Oversight and Reform Committee and the work that they do to ensure that government agencies work well. As they do so, I would expect that their efforts would meet all tests of credibility and, as well, the four corners of the Constitution. I have tried to study this legislation. However, it concerns me, again, because it would make it more difficult for Government agencies to share pertinent information with important stakeholders to keep our country safe. With no clear exceptions for national security, this legislation would add burdensome and unworkable reporting requirements and a 72- hour waiting period which could be detrimental to our democratic institutions during times when communication is necessary to protect our democracy. This bill is seeking to limit the lawful activities of Federal law enforcement agencies, and it is a threat to our national security. All of us stand on this floor and stand shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement. Our firefighters are here on the campus. We stand shoulder to shoulder with them. I am afraid, Mr. Chairman, this legislation would not show our confidence in those who have to do the job. So I offer an amendment that provides a response to the section on severability that keeps the remaining portions of the act in place should a portion of the act or amendment made by the act be held to be unconstitutional.…”