State of Washington Archives: on Homeland Security

Mike Lee: Don't let important PATRIOT Act provisions expire

That is why I worked diligently on a bipartisan and bicameral basis to produce the USA Freedom Act. As with any legislation, the USA Freedom Act is not perfect. It does end the bulk collection of phone records and other data by our nation's intelligence agencies, but it also represents compromises by the intelligence community and civil libertarians.

These programs are set to expire on June 1. I do understand that many of my colleagues, especially on the Republican side of the aisle, have very honest and substantive problems with the USA Freedom Act. Unfortunately, that debate may no longer be possible before these programs expire. The best way forward now is for the Senate to quickly pass the USA Freedom Act as-is and go back later to make any changes.