Here are a few statements from a couple of Congressional sources:
Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- (OH-08):
“During a time of war, this bill inexplicably shortchanges critical human intelligence assets necessary to fortify our national security and protect our troops in harm’s way. Instead, it bankrolls wasteful Washington pork-barrel projects like Rep. Murtha’s much-maligned National Drug Intelligence Center by diverting valuable funding away from intelligence professionals who need it most. The misguided measure also requires our nation’s intelligence officials to take time away from their work in protecting us from the terrorist threat to assess the ‘national security’ aspects of global warming. Let’s be clear: our intelligence resources must be dedicated to national security, not pork and political correctness, and President Bush was right to veto this legislation.
“I’m also troubled that this flawed bill would hand over our playbook for terrorist interrogation programs to al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations. It is irresponsible and dangerous to telegraph our counterterrorism techniques to enemies who are plotting to harm us, but that is exactly what this bill would have done. Coupled with the Majority’s refusal to allow a vote on the bipartisan Senate-passed Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) bill that would give our intelligence officials all the tools they need to protect us, this measure would place our nation at greater risk – and that’s unacceptable. I hope the Majority finally decides to work with Republicans on intelligence measures that actually meet the needs of our intelligence community and promote our national security.”
Rep. Bob Latta (OH-05):
“Yesterday’s veto override attempt is another example of how out of touch the Democrat leadership is with the American people. If strengthening our national security is a high priority for the Democrat leadership, then they should bring up the bipartisan Senate FISA bill for an immediate vote. Twenty six days have now passed since our nation’s intelligence agencies have gone blind to terrorist communications. Numerous intelligence experts, editorial boards, and the American public have asked for Congress to give our intelligence communities the proper tools necessary to keep our country safe. It is now time to pass the bipartisan Senate FISA bill before the upcoming Easter district work period,” Latta said.
