KING FIGHTS FOR TOOLS TO STOP TERRORISTS
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WASHINGTON - U.S. Congressman Steve King (IA - 05) is working to give federal agencies the tools to seek out terrorists before they have the opportunity to kill Americans. With King's support, last night the U.S. House, with a vote of 232 - 191, passed H.R. 5825, the Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act, to protect our country from future terrorist attacks by making it easier to monitor overseas terrorist communications.
H.R. 5825 updates rules on foreign surveillance of terrorist suspects to protect Americans' civil liberties while outlining specific rules so the United States may respond swiftly to terrorist threats. In addition, the bill updates the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for modern communication methods used by terrorists. It also streamlines the process for surveillance of overseas terrorist activity.
"There's no question we must update our abilities to stay in front of terrorist cells, who are quickly-adapting," said King. "Our intelligence community cannot protect Americans if they are restrained by outdated laws. We must give the U.S. all the tools necessary to protect Americans so we know what's going on to prevent another terrorist attack. I will continue to protect the Constitutional Rights and the safety of the American people."
