Patrick Leahy: “As the Senate begins its final work period of the year, I wish to thank those members of the Judiciary Committee who…”

“As the Senate begins its final work period of the year, I wish to thank those members of the Judiciary Committee who have been cooperative and who have worked so hard throughout this year. Much has been accomplished. But much can still be done. We reported and the Senate passed an important privacy measure, the Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act, S. 2168, just before the Thanksgiving recess. I urge the House to adopt it without delay. In addition, the Senate again passed our copyright bill to protect vessel hull designs, S. 1640, which I hope will also be adopted by the House. Months ago we reported and passed an important court security bill, S. 378, and Freedom of Information Act reform legislation, S. 849. I believe that we have resolved differences raised by the House and should be able in the short time remaining to us this year to have the Senate reconsider these measures in slightly modified form, pass them by unanimous consent, and have the House endorse them, as well. I would like to see us consider and pass important matters the House has passed and sent to us. The Free Flow of Information Act, H.R. 2102, is on the Senate calendar. It would provide protection to first amendment values by establishing a Federal privilege and procedure for considering claims of press protection. For the first time, this year the Judiciary Committee reported a similar bill, S. 2035, and we did so on a bipartisan basis.”