August 3, 2007 – Congressman Franks (AZ-02) today gave the following remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives regarding H.R. 3356, the bill modifying the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978:

“Mr. Speaker, over the past three decades, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act has become increasingly archaic, and our intelligence community has been inhibited from acting with speed and agility to conduct necessary surveillance of foreign targets.  The consequence of missing terrorist communications materialized before our eyes on the morning of 9/11; and Mr. Speaker, in the eyes our enemy, 9/11 was only the beginning. 

“Mr. Speaker, if we knew exactly where every Jihadist terrorist in the world was in this moment, the war on Jihad would, in practical terms, be over in six weeks.  However in this 21st century war, it is intelligence that is our most critical challenge.  Without intelligence, our entire national defense is rendered ineffective and the lives of millions of Americans are placed at the mercy of an enemy that possesses a merciless, evil ideology and a relentless vision of the Western world in nuclear flames.

“Just this week, Mr. Speaker, a new al Qaeda propaganda ad appeared on the internet and headlined, "Wait for the Big Surprise."  It closed with these words: "Soon -- God willing."

“Today Mr. Speaker, the Director of National Intelligence issued an unequivocal statement that the bill we are now considering is an unacceptable solution, and one that would keep him from fulfilling his duty to anticipate threats and protect our nation. 

“Mr. Speaker, Al Qaeda will not adjourn when we do.  Today is our opportunity to address this vital issue.  If we let partisan bickering cause us to fail, we should start writing our apology now to the children of this generation who may see nuclear Jihad, and for those in the next generation who may see dangers beyond our imagination.  We must not fail. 

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”