June 15, 2005
“I rise today in strong support of this amendment to repeal Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act and restore the freedom to read, and that’s what this is about!
“Millions of Americans including my constituents are especially incensed with the Section 215. Under this provision of the Patriot Act, the FBI has the power to search for any “tangible things (including books, records, papers, documents, and other items)” in any location after showing minimal justification.
“Across this nation, local governments representing more than 52 million people have denounced the entire Patriot Act and the unconstitutional invasion of privacy it represents.
“The Patriot Act was hastily-crafted and is far over-reaching. It is contrary to the fundamental principles for which we stand, and Sec. 215 is especially chilling.
“Families should not be afraid to check out children’s books for fear that they may be investigated for collaborating with terrorists.
“Section 215 is Un-American! This is not the way to combat terrorism.”
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Barbara Lee Votes to Repeal Section of the PATRIOT Act
(Washington, DC) – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) spoke in opposition to elements of the USA PATRIOT Act during debate on an amendment introduced by Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to the Science, State and Judiciary Appropriations Bill that would keep the government from accessing Americans’ reading records without a traditional search warrant. Representative Lee voted for the amendment, which passed by a vote of 238-187. Her statement follows:“I rise today in strong support of this amendment to repeal Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act and restore the freedom to read, and that’s what this is about!
“Millions of Americans including my constituents are especially incensed with the Section 215. Under this provision of the Patriot Act, the FBI has the power to search for any “tangible things (including books, records, papers, documents, and other items)” in any location after showing minimal justification.
“Across this nation, local governments representing more than 52 million people have denounced the entire Patriot Act and the unconstitutional invasion of privacy it represents.
“The Patriot Act was hastily-crafted and is far over-reaching. It is contrary to the fundamental principles for which we stand, and Sec. 215 is especially chilling.
“Families should not be afraid to check out children’s books for fear that they may be investigated for collaborating with terrorists.
“Section 215 is Un-American! This is not the way to combat terrorism.”
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