[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 81 (Wednesday, May 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            USA FREEDOM ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 22, 2014

  Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3361, the USA 
FREEDOM Act, as amended. Although I was a cosponsor of the USA Freedom 
Act as originally written, the bill we voted on today was changed 
substantially before being brought to the floor. I am very concerned 
with the short time frame members had to consider this sweeping 
legislation, which was negotiated behind closed doors and would not do 
enough to protect Americans from government surveillance.
  I support ending the bulk collection of Americans' communications, 
secret interpretations of law by the FISA Court, and ``reverse 
targeting'' of Americans by the intelligence agencies. Although H.R. 
3361 is an improvement over current law, the House should negotiate a 
stronger bill in a transparent process through regular order that will 
do more to protect Americans' privacy.
  I encourage the Senate to make much needed changes to this bill and 
send back a real reform package that does a better job of protecting 
privacy and is consistent with the expectations of our constituents.

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