December 17, 2007

Washington, DC—Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada made the following statement today regarding the FISA bill:

“The Senate is committed to improving our nation’s intelligence laws to fight terrorism while protecting Americans’ civil liberties. We need to take the time necessary to debate a bill that does just that, rather than rushing one through the legislative process. While we had hoped to complete the FISA bill this week, it is clear that is not possible.  With more than a dozen amendments to this complex and controversial bill, this legislation deserves time for thorough discussion on the floor.

“We will consider this bill when we return in January. In the meantime, I again encourage the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to make available to all Senators the relevant documents on retroactive immunity, so that each may reach an informed decision on how to proceed on this provision. I oppose retroactive immunity, but believe every Senator must have access to the information to make this important decision.”

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