| October 2, 2003 The Honorable James Sensenbrenner, Jr.
United States House
of Representatives
2449 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Representative Sensenbrenner: On behalf of the 153,000 members of the National
Association of Social Workers (NASW), I am writing to encourage
you to welcome bipartisan legislation aimed at correcting
some of the egregious provisions of the USA Patriot Act as well as other controversial measures associated
with September 11, 2001. NASW strongly supports Congressional
objectives that morally safeguard America from heinous
acts of terrorism. NASW firmly believes that the “Benjamin Franklin
Patriot Act” (H.R.3171) would provide appropriate review
pertaining to acts of terrorism and significantly, would provide a balance between
security and civil liberties. H.R. 3171 would also ensure
that America remains safe and liberated. Further, the Association
contends that H.R.3171 revisits and ameliorates contentious
Patriot Act provisions including: Section 213, which permits “sneak
and peak” delayed notification search warrants; Section
215, which gives law enforcement access to a wide array
of personal records, including library, medical and educational and
Section 415, which allows for the indefinite detention
of non-citizens certified by the Attorney General as terrorists, judicial
review. H.R.3171 would retard other policies adopted
post 9/11, including the ability of the Department of Justice
to monitor privileged attorney-client conversations guidelines
permitting FBI agents to monitor houses of worship legal
opinions that would permit local law enforcement to enforce
civil immigration law and exemptions to the Freedom of
Information Act and
enabling companies to maintain secret flaws in their infrastructure
by sharing that data with the Homeland Security Department. Introduction of H.R.3171 comes at a period
when President Bush has exhorted Congress to further expand
powers of law enforcement. NASW has acute concerns with
these measures, specifically since most are not germane
to related
offenses. Republicans and Democrats have articulated hesitation for any further
expansion of power. Moreover, in July, the House of Representatives
adopted a measure sponsored by Rep. C.L. Otter (R-ID),
which prohibits the implementation of section 213, on a
vote of 309 to 118, with 113 Republicans voting in favor.
Across America, sentiment is growing to restore abridged
civil liberties.
NASW asserts that legislation inhibiting
terrorism and its aftermath is
a worthy contribution to the promotion of peace and harmony
during these arduous times. Social workers maintain an
abiding faith in the rights and liberties guaranteed by
the founding covenants of our nation. We urge you to carefully
examine H.R.3171, and help us promote the intrinsic values
of tolerance and respect that form the core essence of
our political system. Sincerely, Gary Bailey, MSW 
President
|
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