Federal Courts Ruling to Halt Bush Wire Taps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thompson Responds to Federal Courts Ruling to Halt Bush Wire Taps

August 17, 2006 - Today, a Federal Judge in Detroit, Michigan issued an order to immediately freeze warrantless surveillance programs created by the Bush Administration. Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the Judge's order of unconstitutionality:

"Today's ruling demonstrates the need for smart intelligence in the War on Terror. I remember the Church Committee's work in 1975 and 1976 on the U.S. intelligence agencies abuses of power, and the needed reforms to protect our nation's Constitutional rights. The Committee's fourteen volumes of work taught us all too well that 'accurate intelligence is a prerequisite to sound government policy.

"Almost everyone, regardless of political persuasion, wants to prevent another 9/11 and see terrorists brought to justice. The challenge to our leaders is to formulate a plan that determines, as the Church Committee found almost forty years ago, 'how the fundamental liberties of the people can be maintained in the course of the Government's effort to protect their security. Simply stated, the security needs of our nation have and will continue to change; the fundamental liberties guaranteed by our Constitution will not."

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United States House of Representatives
Committee on Homeland Security - Democratic Staff
http://hsc-democrats.house.gov

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