Statement for the Record House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Hearing on Reauthorizing the Patriot Act

摘要

Chairman Sensenbrenner, Ranking Member Scott and members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, thank you for inviting me to testify today concerning the three provisions of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that are scheduled to sunset again on May 27, 2011. The Department of Justice has provided a brief overview of the three expiring provisions (the 'roving' surveillance provision, the 'lone wolf' definition, and the 'business records' provision) and has explained in general terms how these authorities have been used in practice. I will focus on two things: (1) the Intelligence Community's need for these authorities to keep the Homeland safe and (2) the safeguards that are in place to ensure that the authorities are used responsibly, in a manner consistent with the law and with appropriate protections for Americans' privacy and civil liberties. The threat to the Homeland from violent extremists is growing. As Director of National Intelligence Clapper testified recently, counterterrorism is the Intelligence Community's top priority. Since 9/11, the Intelligence Community has helped thwart many potentially devastating attacks, apprehend numerous known and suspected terrorist throughout the world and greatly weaken much of al-Qa'ida's core capabilities. The nature of the terrorism threat that we face is evolving. Our adversaries are constantly adapting their strategies and communication techniques. As Mr. Hinnen noted in his testimony, the provisions that are expiring - the roving wiretap provision, the 'lone wolf' definition, and the business records authority - along with other critical intelligence tools, provide valuable tools needed to help us detect and disrupt plots directed against the United States.