Congressman John D. Dingell

March 13, 2008

Washington, DC - Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI15) gave the following statement in support of the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 3773, the Responsible Electronic Surveillance That is Overseen, Reviewed and Effective (RESTORE) Act of 2007, which amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978

“Madam Speaker, I voted against the original Patriot Act, I voted against the reauthorization of the Patriot Act in 2005, I voted against the President’s Protect America Act that was signed into law last August, and I remain prepared to vote against any legislation that does not adequately protect our constitutionally guaranteed civil rights.  I have some concerns about this legislation.  I don’t believe it is perfect.  However, I am prepared to vote in support of it today as a sign that we in the House are prepared to negotiate a bipartisan solution that will end the deadlock on this issue. 

“I note that the President has already rejected this overture, and once again insisted that he will veto any bill that does not grant blanket amnesty to the telecommunications companies that are alleged to have assisted the Bush Administration in conducting illegal warrantless wiretap programs.  It is unfortunate that the President has taken this position, but I can assure him that there are those of us who will not be moved by his intransigence. 

“I have repeatedly asked the Bush Administration to provide me with a briefing about the warrantless wiretap programs that took place without Congressional authorization so I could determine for myself whether amnesty is justified, and these requests have been repeatedly denied.  After seven years of lies and obfuscation, I refuse to take the President at his word that amnesty for telecommunications companies is in the best interest of the American people, and I refuse to vote for amnesty until I am given the opportunity to review the evidence supporting it.”