WASHINGTON, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- House Republican Whip Roy Blunt (Mo.) issued the following statement today regarding the Democratic majority's attempts to put politically motivated, partisan resolutions before the urgent needs of our national security:
"I am amazed that while Democrats are eagerly taking political potshots at White House employees, including one who left over a year ago, they refuse to consider bipartisan legislation to safeguard our nation. Taking up these contempt citations with only two days until a critical intelligence law expires is as poorly timed as it is poorly reasoned, and it demonstrates the Democrats' cavalier approach to national security. That is why Republicans walked off the floor this afternoon, refusing to be a pawn in their game of political chess.
"If we do not act by Saturday, a gaping loophole will again reopen in FISA. Yet, Democratic leaders are arguing we do not need a long-term FISA fix because on-going surveillance can last for up to a year. In making that judgment, Democrats appear to be relying on intelligence dispatches that aren't available to anyone else. Because that's the only way they can responsibly suggest there won't be any new terrorist threats beyond Saturday. That's a gamble Republicans are not willing to take.
"The Senate got the job done earlier this week by passing bipartisan legislation that protects our country and the companies that helped track terrorists following September 11th . President Bush is willing to stay in town to get the job done. Republicans in the House are willing to stay in town to get the job done. The failure to act by Saturday will rest solely on the House Democrats' shoulders -- and no one else's. That is a failure they will have to explain to the American people."
Click here to view Congressman Blunt's interview immediately following the walkout: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PGRiiZBqsc
SOURCE House Republican Whip Roy Blunt
