Kinzinger favors allowing NSA to continue collecting phone records

Posted on May 13, 2015

By John Gregory/Illinois Radio Network

CHICAGO – You can count one Illinois congressman in favor of allowing the National Security Agency to continue bulk collection of phone records.

After a federal appeals court ruled the NSA program wasn’t authorized by the Patriot Act, Congress will have to pass legislation specifically approving the program in order for it to continue. U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) plans on voting for that authorization, saying it’s an important anti-terrorism tool.

“At a time when we’re facing a very different threat than we faced even frankly three or yours ago, I think it’s important to continue to make sure that we have the tools we need in the 21st Century to fight 21st Century crime,” Kinzinger said.

Kinzinger says he’s open to extending the program for a few years, and making it as transparent as possible to make Americans “feel comfortable.”

The bulk collection of phone data involves collecting the two phone numbers involved in a call, when the call occurred, and how long it lasted, but not the actual conversation.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year. It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city. Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University. We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk. Going to work every day for some people means…