Published: 02-14-08
WASHINGTON D.C. –U.S. Congressman John Carter (TX-31) House Republican Conference Secretary made the following statement today after the House rejected a 21-day Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) extension.
Carter calls on Democrat leaders to immediately bring the bipartisan passed Senate FISA bill to a vote and close the terrorist loophole. The Senate version of the bill gives our intelligence community the ability to monitor and track terrorists while protecting them from politically motivated lawsuits against such tracking.
“Today’s vote to defeat a FISA extension reiterates my commitment to keeping our country safe from terrorists who wish to destroy America. Although many members of the Majority wanted to see an extension rather than a solution to the problem I am proud that so many members stood up and voted in favor of the security of Americans.
“There is nothing more important than the safety of our children and grandchildren and I will continue to fight for good policy that gives our intelligence community the tools they need to track and monitor terrorists like Osama Bin Laden. Now is the time to act on this critical legislation. It is time for the Majority leadership to schedule an immediate vote on the Senate-passed FISA bill so we can continue to keep this country safe.”
