U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement tonight after voting for H.R. 3773, legislation to extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.  The bill passed the House by a vote of 227 to 189. 

“This legislation gives the intelligence community the tools it needs to keep Americans safe and effectively track down terrorists around the world.  

“Our legislation ensures that an independent judicial authority outside of the executive branch must approve any surveillance of U.S. citizens. Independent judicial oversight is essential to making sure that the constitutional rights of American citizens are protected.

“Opponents of this legislation would offer a false choice between tracking down terrorists and protecting the privacy of innocent Americans. Do not believe them.  We can do both. This bill does both.”