On Sunday, I joined ABC’s Martha Raddatz on “This Week” and we discussed the Islamic State’s threat to the United States and the expiration of the Patriot Act’s data collection provision at the end of the month.
While speaking about the renewal of the Patriot Act, I noted that “I do think it [Patriot Act] should continue for the simple reason it’s very effective at keeping America safe.” Watch my full interview by clicking below.
Chairman Burr joins ABC’s “This Week”
Sunday’s interview also addressed the Islamic State’s sobering announcement that they have over seventy trained soldiers in the United States waiting for the opportunity to attack Americans. In a few more days, one of our nation’s most successful tools against terrorism is set to expire, the Patriot Act. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and I recently introduced a bill that would keep the Patriot Act up and running for about five more years. Last week, I took to the floor with other members of the Senate to talk about why the Patriot Act is so important:
“Why in the world would we think about rolling back the tools that are the only tools that put us post-9/11 versus pre-9/11? The threat is greater today domestically and around the world than it’s ever been, and the argument that [Congress] will be consumed with is whether we do away with tools that have been effective for law enforcement to protect America. Madam president, I would suggest that we reauthorize this bill for five and a half years, as is. And that we make the same commitment to the American people we do when we reauthorize and fund the T.S.A…we’re going to keep America safe. We’re not going to let it revert back to where we’re susceptible to another 9/11.”
Our goal should not be limiting the tools that our law enforcement and intelligence community have access to but protecting American lives. You can watch my full comments below.
Wall Street Journal editorial board came out in support of a clean authorization of the Patriot Act last week which can be read here.
Wednesday, Senator Tillis and I introduced the Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act, a bill to provide for the responsible management of the wild-horse population around Corolla, North Carolina and the Outer Banks. The beauty of the Corolla horses draws people from across North Carolina to witness these wild animals in their natural habitat. They are one of our many natural state treasures and I am proud to introduce legislation that will provide for their preservation. You can read more about the Corolla Wild Horses Protection Act, here.
Lastweek, Senator Bennet and I introduced legislation that would fix current federal policy that keeps Medicare patients from receiving the most-cutting-edge medical technologies. This relatively simple bill will help seniors and veterans get new technologies that will enable them to heal faster so that they can enjoy a better quality of life. Read about the specifics of the bill here.
Earlier in May, a ceremony was held at the Arlington National Cemetery honoring the Montagnards, along with the unveiling of a new memorial commemorating their service and sacrifice. The Montagnards are an indigenous people from Vietnam who fought bravely alongside American vets during the Vietnam War but have received little to no recognition until recently.
At the ceremony honoring the Montagnards.
North Carolina is home to the largest Montagnard community outside of Vietnam and our state is made better by their presence. You can read more about the Montagnards and their memorial in the Winston-Salem Journal.
Sincerely,
Richard Burr