program risks dismantling important intelligence tool
As the House of Representatives prepares to vote today on legislation to limit the authority exercised by the National Security Agency pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and court order, I join others who caution that acting in haste to defund the FISA Business Records program risks dismantling an important intelligence tool.
I support the positions of the House Intelligence Committee Chairman and Ranking Member, as well as that of the Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman and Vice Chairman, in their call for an open and candid discussion about foreign surveillance authorities and careful consideration of the potential effect of limiting the Intelligence Community’s capabilities under these authorities.
As the head of the Intelligence Community, my top priority is to provide policy makers the most meaningful intelligence possible while always abiding by the rule of law and respecting the civil liberties and privacy of every American. I remain hopeful that as we continue to discuss foreign intelligence activities in Congress and across the nation, we will make decisions that address the concerns of the public while preserving our ability to protect our nation.
James R. Clapper
Director of National Intelligence
Feinstein, Chambliss Statement on House Amendment on Phone Records Program
Statement by the White House Press Secretary on the Amash Amendment