(Washington, D.C.)–Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) last night voted against H.R. 3199, the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act. However the measure passed 257-171. Langevin offered the following statement during the House debate:

“Today I rise in reluctant opposition to H.R. 3199, the USA PATRIOT Act Reauthorization. We must provide law enforcement all the tools they need to keep us safe in today’s changing world, but we need a bill that strikes a more appropriate balance between civil liberties and fighting the war on terrorism.

“Since the enactment of the USA PATRIOT Act in the wake of 9/11, I have met with many constituents and countless groups to discuss the details of this controversial legislation. At a town hall meeting I hosted, the U.S. Attorney for Rhode Island and a representative of the state’s American Civil Liberties Union passionately argued their cases. Some agreed with the U.S. Attorney that only the USA PATRIOT Act can prevent us from another attack. However, most of that crowd, as well as most Rhode Islanders, worry that we have already ceded too much ground on our precious civil liberties. In my state, six cities and towns have passed resolutions opposing parts of the USA PATRIOT Act, and my constituents understand what this bill means to them and their freedom.

“Keeping America safe is not a partisan issue, but unfortunately, several provisions of this bill are. We could have reached a bipartisan solution to extend the provisions that are effective, such as permitting searches to the Internet and e-mail, and modify the provisions that need changes, such as the searching of library records and “sneak and peek” searches, to which Congress has already voiced strong and clear opposition. Instead, we forgo Congressional oversight and take away future opportunities for review.

“I am most troubled that the Rules Committee has not permitted a single amendment to determine if 15 controversial provisions should expire. Sunsets require Congress to review the Act, extend what is working, and change what is not. Sunsets would make the bill better, and ensure regular oversight, but the rule does not permit us to vote on this important modification. Simply adding sunsets could have made the H.R. 3199 more palatable, and I am confident it could have had strong bipartisan support. However, the Republicans have again chosen division over unity.

“I recognize the need for our laws to keep pace with new technology and a changing world, and I am committed to ensuring our law enforcement has the tools they need to keep our nation safe. However, providing these tools need not come at the expense of the liberties and freedoms that we hold so dear. If we cede these, we have already given up the very values the terrorists are trying to destroy.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues to make many changes in H.R. 3199 to fight terrorism and protect our freedoms. I am encouraged that the Senate is taking a more bipartisan approach to renewal of the USA PATRIOT Act, and I look forward to a conference agreement that we can all support to protect our liberties and our country.”

-30-