Sen. Cruz: We Should Protect Good Guys and Target Bad Guys
Votes to protect rights of Americans and enhance ability of law enforcement to defeat radical Islamic terrorism
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today released the following statement after voting in favor of Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) amendment that would provide law enforcement with more effective tools to keep Americans safe from terrorism:
“In this age of jihad, the federal government has an obligation to do everything possible to keep us safe from terrorism and, at the same time, to protect the constitutional liberties of law-abiding Americans. We should protect good guys, and target bad guys,” Sen. Cruz said.
“Last year, I joined with Sen. Lee to pass the USA Freedom Act, which ended the federal government’s bulk collection of phone meta-data--protecting the privacy of millions of Americans.
“Today, I joined with Sen. McCain in voting to allow the FBI to obtain Internet search data of specifically-identified suspected terrorists as part of an ‘authorized investigation to protect against international terrorism or clandestine intelligence activities.’ The government still will not be able to collect this information on Americans in bulk, but we will have the tools to investigate specific jihadists and--with an Administration willing to confront the enemy--hopefully prevent future terrorists attacks.
“Both measures are positive steps to protect the rights of innocent Americans and enhance the ability of law enforcement to defeat radical Islamic terrorism.”
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