buzzz worthy. . .
For
the past eighteen months, I have called for reforms that better
safeguard the privacy and civil liberties of the American people while
ensuring
our national security officials retain tools important to keeping
Americans safe. That is why, today, I welcome the Senate’s passage of
the USA FREEDOM Act, which I will sign when it reaches my desk.
After
a needless delay and inexcusable lapse in important national security
authorities, my Administration will work expeditiously to ensure our
national security professionals again have the full set of vital tools
they need to continue protecting the country. Just as important,
enactment of this legislation will strengthen civil liberty safeguards
and provide greater public confidence in these programs,
including by prohibiting bulk collection through the use of Section
215, FISA pen registers, and National Security Letters and by providing
the American people with additional transparency measures.
I
am gratified that Congress has finally moved forward with this sensible
reform legislation. I particularly applaud Senators Leahy and Lee as
well
as Representatives Goodlatte, Sensenbrenner, Conyers, and Nadler for
their leadership and tireless efforts to pass this important bipartisan
legislative achievement.