For Immediate ReleaseMarch 15, 2008

Contact: Dr. P. Kelly Hatfield

Phone: 908-522-1455   kellyhatfield@hatfield2008.com

  Hatfield Says Congress Needs to Move ForwardTaking Steps to Protect Americans Where They Sleep 

Summit - Today Dr. P Kelly Hatfield again questioned the wisdom of top Democratic House Leaders refusal to follow the Senates bipartisan lead and pass the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).  Hatfield, Republican Candidate for Congress representing New Jersey’s 7th District, asks why Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and others are intent on giving those who are determined to hurt us here in the US, namely foreign terrorists overseas, the same protection that is enjoyed by Americans at home.  “This makes no sense” said Hatfield, “obviously someone, someplace is buzzing in someone’s ear” she speculated.

“Congress said that they needed more time to evaluate the issue and set a self imposed deadline which has now come and gone”, she said. “If they were serious about protecting our shores they would not have wasted valuable time by crafting their own bill which is seriously flawed.”

The House bill would require a court approval process that would make it more difficult to collect intelligence on foreign terrorists overseas and also make class action litigation possible against private sector companies who assisted in protecting our country after the 9/11 attacks. “We cannot continue to put these companies who answered the call during our nation’s time of need at risk of being sued nor can we take the chance that should the situation again present itself that they would be reluctant to cooperate with our intelligence professionals for fear of litigation,” Hatfield explained.  With multi-billion-dollar law suits already filed class action trial lawyers would like nothing better than for the House version to be approved however, it is doubtful that the Senate would pass it and it is quite clear that it would be vetoed even if the Senate does pass it.  The House bill also seeks to establish a commission to examine past intelligence activities which has been characterized as a waste of time and money.

. “The bill that they are presenting does little to ensure the safety of our citizens but rather would serve to fill the pockets of the trial lawyers,” Dr. Hatfield said. “Instead of wasting taxpayers dollars by dwelling on past activities this congress needs to look to the future and take steps to protect American families where they sleep.”

With the process to approve the FISA no where near completion Hatfield fears that Congress will again leave town for the Easter break without taking the measures necessary to get the appropriate bi-partisan legislation on the president’s desk. “The US Senate passed the bill that makes the most sense, Congress on the other hand, under Pelosi’s leadership, has accomplished nothing these last three weeks to protect America.” Hatfield also stated that when elected to Congress she will fight for the safety of New Jersey residents standing up to the Democrats in Washington and definitely would not be leaving town before the job is done.

A proven leader in the fight against wasteful government spending and higher taxes, Dr P. Kelly Hatfield also is an advocate of small business and believes that the Federal Tax Cuts should be made permanent as a means of helping to stabilize the economy.

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