Caroline Fredrickson
Caroline Fredrickson
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Congress cannot approve an illegal program when so many questions remain unanswered.
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It is clear that this illegal program violates our Constitution and laws governing surveillance. The president's false choice between securing our nation and preserving our Constitution must be rejected. Congress has an obligation to determine the truth, especially since the administration is unwilling to check itself. Hearings like this help ensure steps are taken so the rule of law is respected by all, even the president.
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Regardless of what happens with this agreement, Congress can, and must fix the Patriot Act to better protect the privacy and freedom of ordinary Americans. At the same time, until the Bush administration stops the illegal NSA program to spy on Americans and stops ignoring the rule of law, any reforms to the Patriot Act could be ignored under the extreme philosophy of power embraced by this president. No matter the result of the Patriot Act, we hope all senators involved in these negotiations will resist pressure from the administration. Congress must restore the rule of law and insist that innocent Americans' rights be protected against the overreaching of the White House. We can, and must, be both safe and free.
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In recent weeks the battle over reproductive rights has been at a fever pitch, but anti-choice members of Congress have yet to list prevention as a top priority. Instead, foes of reproductive rights have not supported bills to increase access to contraceptives. Instead, they continue to pour money into abstinence-only programs that discourage people from using contraceptives. This modest amendment would help prevent many unwanted pregnancies, and the Senate should adopt it.
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We've been supportive of this concept, but the administration has got to give these people more leeway to play the role that's been pitched. I don't think they can do that under the circumstances.
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These sections of the act are extremely crucial. We have a nationwide campaign going on. (Renewing them) is a priority.
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These provisions, if adopted, would have a chilling effect on the First Amendment rights of the American people. The right of the people to petition the government must not be denied or abridged. Congress can and should take steps to address corruption and the undue influence of special interests without sacrificing the rights of Americans to petition government.
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These proposed amendments pose serious problems, in effect barring the courthouse door for many immigrants who deserve their day in court. Too many provisions of the various immigration bills paint immigrants as the new scapegoats. Congress must approach the issue in a manner that upholds our commitment to our core American values.
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The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy, and an essential protection of that right is the Voting Rights Act. Every voice must be heard and every vote must be counted. State and local governments continue to adopt voting laws, practices and procedures that deny equal access to voting - without the Voting Rights Act, there would be little protection against these efforts to deny some of us our right to vote. The Voting Rights Act is necessary to help ensure that every American citizen is able to exercise the franchise.
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We must protect women's access to the full range of reproductive health services. The 'Freedom of Choice Act' puts women's health and not politics first. Lawmakers should adopt this much-needed proposal.
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I think one of the fundamental roles of Congress is to exercise oversight of the executive branch. And it's not happening.
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The president cannot use the pursuit of national security as a carte blanche to undermine the very freedoms that define America. This administration - like that of President Nixon - has apparently secretly adopted a legal view of the Executive Branch's power that is unbounded. A commitment to the Constitution and our laws demand an independent investigation.
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We're concerned because it's part of a general trend in this administration. Far as we know, it's possible that they are like many other Americans - being spied on.
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Today, more than ever, we cannot take our right to reproductive freedom for granted. Anti-choice forces are moving full steam ahead to not only take away a woman's right to choose an abortion but to limit access to birth control and other important reproductive health care.