Cong. Randy Neugebauer: Balancing National Security Your Privacy & Providing for Our Troops

By Cong. Randy Neugebauer Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. My first priority has always been to preserve protect and defend the Constitution of the United States it was written not just to protect our individual liberties but to safeguard America against our enemies. Instead of allowing bulk collection and storage of your personal records by the NSA the House of Representatives last week passed a bill to require the federal government to use specific selection terms" to collect your data on a case-by-case basis.   As families across America spend time with their families over the Memorial Day and reflect upon those who have made the ultimate sacrifice the House last week also passed a bill to authorize $521.3 billion to provide for our national defense. Providing for Todays Troops The House of Representatives last week passed a bill to authorize $521.3 billion to provide for our national defense. The Fiscal Year 2015 National Defense Authorization Act provides our men and women in uniform with the resources they need to keep America safe.  It authorizes $521.3 billion to provide for our national defense it protects the benefits and religious freedom of our troops and works to prevent sexual assault and suicide in the military. Im pleased it strikes a good balance between providing for a strong national defense while still prioritizing efficient use of our tax dollars.  Weve cut over $30 billion from last years defense budget but were still investing in vital platforms like our B-1 fleet at Dyess AFB. Balancing Our National Security & Civil Liberties Last week I voted for H.R. 3361 the USA FREEDOM Act to reform the NSA surveillance program.  This legislation was written by House Members with expertise in intelligence and the courts to ensure we balance our national security with protecting the civil liberties of all Americans.

Instead of allowing bulk collection and storage of records by the NSA this legislation would require the federal government to use specific selection terms" to collect data on a case-by-case basis with permission from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC).  It would ban bulk data collection not just for the controversial telephone program but also for emails medical records financial records and firearm purchase records.

The USA FREEDOM ACT also establishes a panel of legal experts to advocate for civil liberties to the FISC as it approves data searches to ensure that protecting the rights and privacy of American citizens is a top priority of the court.  It also significantly increases Congressional oversight of this sensitive program. I understand this is an important issue that comes with a lot of controversy.  Some argue that this legislation did not go far enough but I believe the oversight limitations and privacy protections included in this bill are an important first step to holding the NSA accountable to American citizens. In Congress my job is to maintain that balance between freedom and security.  I believe if the USA FREEDOM Act is signed into law it will better allow Congress to protect our constitutional rights. Celebrating Our Nations Veterans This Memorial Day we remember and give thanks to those who have given their lives to defend this nation.  Last week I had the unique opportunity to meet Col. Richard E. Cole who co-piloted the lead aircraft of the Doolittle Raid on Japan in 1942.  We owe our freedom and our security to brave veterans like Col. Cole and the fallen heroes who served with him. May God bless those who have fought for our freedom and may He continue to bless the United States of America. Congressman Randy Neugebauer represents the 29 Texas Panhandle & Big Country counties included in the 19th District of Texas. Currently in his 6th term Neugebauer serves as Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Subcommittee on Housing & Insurance and is also a member of both the House Agriculture Committee and the Science & Technology Committee.