On the recordJanuary 18, 2018
I rise very briefly to thank my friend, the chairman of the Intelligence Committee. One more time, I urge all of our colleagues to vote for S. 139, which will be coming up for a vote in a few moments. This is a critical tool that our intelligence community uses on a regular basis to keep America safe. It is a tool that--as someone who has more, perhaps, observance of this program than most--I do not believe has been abused or will be abused. This legislation includes meaningful reforms on furthering civil liberties protections and making sure that a year from now, the questions that many Members have asked over the years, particularly of the Bureau, will be answered. I think this foreminded legislation needs to pass and needs to pass with an overwhelming majority. Again, I thank the chairman for his good work. We had a 12-to-3 vote out of our committee on this legislation. We had a 60-to-38 vote that moved us forward on the cloture motion. My hope is that many other colleagues who care deeply about national security will join us in the final passage of this legislation. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from North Carolina.
