WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, released the following statement this evening after voting to advance the USA Freedom Act:

“With vital counterterrorism tools set to expire this evening, I will not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. While I continue to have some concerns about the USA Freedom Act, I believe the bill includes important reforms that better protect Americans’ privacy and reauthorizes key authorities that our government needs to fight terrorism. Additionally, I have spoken with Senate leaders and I am hopeful that there will be opportunities as the Senate debates the bill to address my principle concern over the telecommunications providers’ policies on retaining call records.  Given that, I believe it’s critical that we move this bill forward in an expeditious manner, vote on amendments, and prevent the loss of critical national security tools – especially at a time when the threat is so high.”

Earlier this month, Senator King opposed a similar procedural motion to advance the USA Freedom Act in hopes of negotiating a path forward that would allow for a short-term extension so members could fully debate and amend the bill.  Unfortunately, a small group of senators objected to even a short-term extension.  With the PATRIOT Act set to expire at midnight tonight, Senator King voted to proceed to the bill.  He continues to work on proposals to improve the legislation and remains hopeful that there will be votes on amendments as the Senate works through procedural motions this week.

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