During his press brief Wednesday House Speaker John Boehner (R., Ohio) discussed the introduction of a new bipartisan bill to reform the National Security Agency’s bulk data collection program, saying the bill would keep America safe while addressing the privacy concerns of the program.
"I’ve long said these programs exist to save American lives – and they have. And while there are some valid privacy concerns, it would be irresponsible to end these programs before we have a credible alternative," Boehner said.
Boehner said the bill, which was introduced by House Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Rogers (R-MI) and Ranking Member Dutch Ruppersberger (D., Md) represents a bipartisan conversation to thwart terrorist attacks while protecting Americans’ civil liberties.
"I expect that part of this effort will include the end of the government holding on to bulk data," Boehner continued, "And ultimately, I’m hopeful that bipartisan cooperation will lead to results that all sides can support – and, most importantly, keep America safe."