Dem Ranking Members: Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board Must be Functional
(WASHINGTON) – Today, Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Bennie G. Thompson, Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Oversight and Government Reform Committee Ranking Member Elijah Cummings, and Intelligence Committee Ranking Member Adam Schiff sent a letter to President-elect Donald Trump asking him to make swift appointments to the bipartisan, independent Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB).
The PCLOB has a dual-mission of reviewing the counter-terrorism actions by intelligence and other Federal agencies and ensuring appropriate consideration of liberty concerns in counter-terrorism laws, regulations, and policies. With only two current members and no full time chair, the PCLOB is at risk of becoming defunct.
“As our country continues to face wide-ranging terrorist threats, both abroad and at home, the Intelligence Community must have robust counterterrorism programs that adhere to the rule of law. Our counterterrorism programs must be subject to unbiased, independent oversight. The PCLOB has proven itself to be that essential oversight body. Its work must continue. A fully-functioning PCLOB conveys to Americans and our allies and enemies around the world that we, as a nation, prioritize protecting our country in a manner that respects liberty.”
Link to letter
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Media contact:
Adam Comis (Homeland Security), 202-225-9978
Shadawn Reddick-Smith (Judiciary), 202-225-6906
Jennifer Werner (Oversight & Government Reform), 202-226-5181
Patrick Boland (Intelligence), 202-225-4176
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