Congressman Mike Pompeo Delivers Remarks on the USA PATRIOT Act at Hudson Institute

WASHINGTON, May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Yesterday, Congressman Mike Pompeo (R-KS), a senior member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, delivered remarks at the Hudson Institute event, "National Security, Privacy, and Renewing the USA Patriot Act."

Representative Pompeo addressed the constitutionality of the metadata collection program, Section 215 of the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act, and how the National Security Agency's efforts fit into the broader framework of national security.

Rep. Pompeo's full remarks are available on Hudson Institute's website. An excerpt is included below.

"Contrary to the claims of the Edward Snowdens of the world," stated Rep. Pompeo. "What we've done with the PATRIOT Act is not to provide the President with more power; rather, we've provided greater oversight in the execution of his authority under Article II. 

"The PATRIOT Act actually provides the legal framework and restrictions on governmental power that the American people expect.  It ensures that the Executive Branch is accountable; that it has to report failures, in addition to successes, and that its powers are contained and focused.  Ultimately the PATRIOT Act creates a thorough system of checks-and-balances and oversight.

"It may have been 'secret' from the public before Snowden, but its oversight has been extensive:  FISA Court review—Congressional review—all three branches working together—just like founders intended. 

"So this is not, as the privacy pretenders will assert, a 'secret' program being run by three gnomes in the basement of Ft. Meade—it is a shining example of governmental checks and balances that has served our country well."

Rep. Pompeo's full speech and a recording of the event are available on Hudson Institute's website. Hudson Institute is a nonpartisan policy research organization dedicated to innovative research and analysis promoting security, prosperity, and freedom. http://www.hudson.org

CONTACT: Carolyn Stewart, [email protected], 202-974-2400

SOURCE Hudson Institute

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