Washington D.C., January 17, 2014—Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) released a statement today in response to the President’s speech on ‘Signals Intelligence Activities.’

“The President’s plan to rein in the unwieldy behavior of the NSA is a lackluster attempt at oversight and control,” said Schweikert.

“Americans deserve full disclosure and protection from privacy invasion from the federal government, and ending mass data collection of Americans’ communications is the first step. Unfortunately, the President did not announce this policy and instead, chose to announce a third party to retain the bulk data and Administrative action towards oversight.”

“These efforts do not equate to a solution,” said Schweikert.

“While efforts to reform the collection of metadata and increased oversight on the government’s ability to retain, search, and disseminate private communications is a positive step, it is up to Congress to guarantee the Constitutional rights and civil liberties of Americans are protected from potential fraud and misuse.”

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Contact Maggie Zehring: margaret.zehring@mail.house.gov
(202)680-9613