For Immediate ReleaseFebruary 21, 2008

Contact: Dr. P. Kelly Hatfield

Phone: 908-522-1455

kellyhatfield@hatfield2008.com  Congress Should Work Immediately on FISA Upon Returning to Washington Terrorists Don’t Take Breaks 

“When I am elected to congress the residents of New Jersey can be certain that I would not opt for a time-out when it comes to protecting our nations security”, said Dr. P. Kelly Hatfield, Republican candidate for Congress representing the 7th Congressional District.

“It is doubtful that those who are seeking to hurt us have taken a “courtesy sabbatical” and suspended their terrorist activities while we here in the US settle our differences in the House of Representatives or vacation on the beach.” Referring to the delay and dispute over renewing the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act and then recessing for 12 days while the current law expired; Hatfield remarked that by postponing reaching an agreement Federal legislators have put US intelligence professionals at a great disadvantage and are compromising National Security.

 The FISA would allow us to more effectively collect foreign intelligence information on targets in foreign lands without the cumbersome process of first obtaining court approval. “This is not about listening in on Americans phone calls or reading their Emails”, explained Hatfield going on to note that to wiretap American citizens here at home a warrant is still required. “To the contrary this is about protecting the future interests and inalienable rights of Americans. Only by keeping those who wish to do us grave harm in our sights can we keep them away from our doorstep.”

According to Dr. Hatfield, we cannot allow our selves to be in a position to miss a single suspect phone call but unfortunately that may just be the case. “When congress is back in session after having an additional 12 days to think about it, the very first thing that they should be doing is working to protect the American people by passing this necessary legislation.  I know I would,” Hatfield said.

######