January 26, 2008

Reid Statement On Bush Administration Threat To Veto Surveillance Law Extension

Washington, DC—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid made the following statement today:

“The White House threat to veto a short extension of the Protect America Act is shamefully irresponsible.  The President is simply posturing in advance of Monday’s State of the Union address.

“When it comes to providing a strong long-term Foreign Intelligence Surveillance bill, Democrats in Congress are focused on solutions, while Republicans are obviously playing politics.

“The House has already passed a FISA bill, and the Senate was ready to pass its own bill until Republicans blocked all amendments.  At the same time, Democrats are ready to extend current law for as long as necessary, but Republicans are blocking that extension and the White House is threatening a veto.

“It is shenanigans like this that make Americans so eager for change.  We hope the American public will remember these Republican stunts when they go to the polling booth this November.

“In any event, current law ensures that no ongoing collection activity will be cut off on February 1.  There will be no terrorism intelligence collection gap.  But if there is any problem, the blame will clearly and unequivocally fall where it belongs: on President Bush and his allies in Congress.”

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