Pass the USA Freedom Act

[Commentary] The proper balance between civil liberties and national security is delicate. Fortunately, our Constitution set up a political system capable of striking the compromises necessary to provide for citizens’ privacy and for the nation’s safety. In June 2013, we learned the federal government was illegally collecting records of millions of Americans’ calls. A bipartisan, bicameral group of Judiciary Committee members immediately began negotiating a solution. Along the way, privacy groups, technology companies, the National Security Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the House and Senate intelligence committees joined the discussion. The result was the USA Freedom Act -- which the Senate should debate and pass before time runs out.

With the USA Freedom Act as the best legislative option available, it is time for Senate Republican leaders to honor their promise to govern by regular order and allow for a full and open debate. By failing to debate the bill, we are risking an ugly fight that could lead to a sunset of critical national security authorities. Instead of political gamesmanship, we must restore Americans’ confidence in their government and maybe, just maybe, we as a Congress can regain their trust. As elected officials in the most powerful country in human history, we have an obligation to protect the liberties that separate us from the rest of the world and protect all Americans from those who wish us harm.