Another Response From Durbin RE: Patriot Act

March 24, 2015

 

 

 

Mr. William Rosen

----------------------------

Lombard, IL 60148-1176

 

Dear Mr. Rosen:

 

Thank you for contacting me about the PATRIOT Act and Section 215. I appreciate hearing from you.

 

Over the years, my biggest concern with the PATRIOT Act has been Section 215, which can be used to obtain the personal information of Americans without any connection to a suspected terrorist or spy. Section 215, which the government may use to conduct phone records collection, will expire in June 2015 unless Congress decides otherwise.

 

Leaks revealing details about surveillance programs have raised significant questions about innocent Americans’ privacy. The government should obtain the useful information gathered under these programs with other, less invasive, surveillance tools. More information about these programs should be declassified to Congress, and the American people can debate the balance we are striking between security and liberty.

 

It is my obligation, along with my fellow Senators, to help ensure that the federal government protects and defends the people of the United States while preserving the civil liberties that have helped to make the United States the greatest and most enduring democracy in the world.

 

Thank you for contacting me. Please feel free to keep in touch.

 

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator