Orrin Hatch: “The Nation's sheriffs recognize the critical role that electronic communication service providers play in assisting…”

“The Nation's sheriffs recognize the critical role that electronic communication service providers play in assisting intelligence officials on national security activities. We are gravely concerned that, without retroactive immunity, the private sector might be unwilling to cooperate with lawful Government requests in the future. The possible reduction in intelligence that might result from protracted litigation is unacceptable to the security of our citizens. We strongly urge you to help preserve the cooperative relationship between law enforcement and the private sector by supporting the immunity provision of this bill. I have to tell you, when 150,000 law enforcement personnel with tremendous experience and expertise say they support telecom retroactive immunity, we should be listening and we should be giving this great weight. They know firsthand the dangers we face and they know what is at stake.”