King votes against USA Freedom Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steve King released the following excerpts from his House Floor remarks on H.R. 3361, the USA FREEDOM Act, a bill he voted against. The bill addresses collection of phone records by the National Security Agency (NSA).

“We should not sacrifice the security in America and we should protect the civil liberties of Americans – we can do that at the same time,” King said. “I think this bill falls somewhat short, although the underlining concept of the bill I do support.”

“I offered an amendment before the Judiciary Committee, it was voted on, but I have to say that in my opinion it was not considered in a fashion that would have allowed for the full judgment of the Judiciary Committee to weigh in. My amendment allows for the intelligence community to negotiate with the telecommunications providers for a period of time longer then is today required by the FCC. I think that it’s not possible for anyone who supports this bill, to argue that it makes us safer – it protects our civil liberties more. But there’s a window beyond the FCC requirements that I would like to see be available on something other than a voluntary basis. So I wanted to come here to this floor and put my marker down on that concern. We should not sacrifice the security in America and we should protect the civil liberties of Americans – we can do that at the same time. I think this bill falls somewhat short, although the underlining concept of the bill I do support.”