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From The Front...

A Weekly Newsletter From Congressman Steve Womack

May We Never Forget...

    I hope you're enjoying the Memorial Day Weekend. Over the course of time, our nation has been called to defend freedom, and when put the test, American service men and women answer that call and carry out that duty without regard to their personal safety and with no guarantee of safe return. And it is the duty of every American to honor them in their service, and to acknowledge those who have given that last full measure of devotion in defense of their nation. We owe a great deal to these warriors. They gave up everything for our freedom. May we never forget them or their sacrifice.

 

 

 

(VIDEO Memorial Day Tribute)

PATRIOT Act…

On Wednesday of last week, the House passed S. 990, the PATRIOT Sunsets Extension Act of 2011 to extend Sections 206, the “roving wiretap” provision, and 215, the “business records” provision, of the PATRIOT Act for four more years. This bill would also make permanent Section 6001, the “lone-wolf” provision. 

 

    I supported S. 990 because I believe these are important provisions that have provided, and will continue to provide, key information for both intelligence and law enforcement officials who keep our country safe. 

Roving Wiretap (four more years):

    The “roving wiretap” provision gives authorities the flexibility they need to pursue suspected terrorists attempting to evade detection by constantly changing modes of communications. 

    The provision puts in place a number of protections which include constant monitoring of the wiretap by the judge granting it to ensure its use complies with the order.  In addition, authorities must notify the judge each time they begin tracking a new mode of communication.   

Business Records (Extension through 2017):

    The “business records” provision authorizes the disclosure of documents and records from businesses and other institutions subject to a number of restrictions.

    This provision includes a heightened standard of judicial scrutiny than is required in criminal investigations.  For example, if a document request has any relation to freedom of speech or expression, additional approval is required.

Lone-Wolf (Permanent):

    Lone-Wolf allows intelligence and law enforcement officials to track non-citizens, having no affiliation with a terrorist group, suspected of acting alone to commit acts of terrorism.  As terrorist organizations continue to encourage individuals to act alone, this provision provides authorities with the tools they need to counter this strategy. 

    Ensuring the safety and security of our country is my top priority and I will do whatever is necessary—again, within the bounds of the Constitution—to protect the American people. These provisions are necessary in our continued effort to stop terrorist attacks.

Mark It Up…

This week, I participated in my first full committee markup as the Appropriations Committee reviewed two pieces of legislation. The first one was to fund the Department of Homeland Security and the second was to fund the Department of Veterans Affairs and military construction.  Both of these bills will be considered by the whole House this upcoming week and will, hopefully, be passed and sent over to the Senate.

 

    During this markup, we also passed the spending limits for each of our subcommittees.  With these limits, Congress will lower discretionary spending by $30 billion from the FY2011 levels and by $121 billion from the president’s 2012 budget request.

    This markup process is another step to getting our country back on a fiscally responsible path. I will continue to keep you up to date one other markups throughout the coming weeks.

Social Media…

 

Remember, the best way to keep up with what I’m doing on an everyday basis is by logging onto to the different social media sites. Whether it be pictures, videos, press releases, votes, etc. – you will find it all on my Facebook page, Twitter handle and YouTube channel first. You can always visit my website at Womack.House.Gov for information as well.

 

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Womack.House.Gov

 

    
    Enjoy the rest of your Memorial Day weekend and may we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our lasting freedom.

From The Front...

Steve Womack
U.S. Congressman
AR3