Washington, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) issued the following statement today in response to the ruling by the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit on the National Security Agency’s domestic phone data collection program.
“Today’s ruling by the 2nd Circuit on the NSA’s metadata program underscores what I have firmly believed; strong intelligence programs help ensure our national security and safety, but they must be conducted within the rule of law and respect the privacy of our citizens. I have been working with my colleagues on the Intelligence Committee from both parties on a new USA Freedom bill that would end the bulk phone data program that has come into the light following the Snowden revelations. As the House moves forward on this legislation, I will continue to work to ensure we strike the right balance between protecting our security and our civil liberties and privacy.”