June 02, 2015

Manchin Statement on Passage of USA Freedom Act

Legislation will protect American citizens without violating their civil liberties

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) issued the following statement after voting in support of the bipartisan “USA Freedom Act of 2015,” legislation to reform the National Security Agency’s (NSA) surveillance authorities. The bill passed the Senate by a 67-32 vote.

“The defense of our country and protection of our civil liberties should always be above politics, and I am pleased that we came together to pass a much-needed, commonsense surveillance reform bill,” Senator Manchin said. “In 2013, I was deeply troubled by the revelation that the U.S. was engaged in the bulk collection of millions of private citizens’ data. That is not what this country was based on.

“I believe this bill moves us in a positive direction and ensures the protection of our citizens without violating their civil liberties. The United States will always face security threats.  That’s just a reality.  On that horrible day of September 11, 2001, we, as a country were reminded of this fact and realized we must meet those threats with strong law enforcement and strong intelligence.  However, we must always balance that necessity with our constitutional rights.”

To watch Senator Manchin’s recent Senate floor speech on the “USA Freedom Act of 2015,” please click here.

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