Yoho Statement on Declassified FISA Memo

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL) released the following statement in response to the declassification and release of a memo on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) prepared by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence majority.

“After weeks of considerable pressure, the American people will finally get the answers they deserve regarding the memorandum written by the Majority Staff of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) regarding Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) abuses at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The findings of this memo ought to be of concern to all Americans. After reading both the Majority and Minority committee reports regarding this matter, I have been strongly in favor of the release of the memo released today, as well as that of the Minority.

"This memo outlines the gross misuse of a surveillance process meant to protect the nation’s national security for a political agenda, which should infuriate all Americans regardless of party affiliation. Our federal law enforcement institutions are designed to uphold the principle of impartial justice. Following the memo’s release, policymakers should ensure improvements are made to the procedures used to obtain a FISA warrant. The rule of law is particularly undermined when politics affects the administration of statutes governing national security. In order to earn and keep the trust of the citizens it serves, the federal government must always act in a transparent manner with the utmost respect for its citizens and their constitutional liberties.”

###