November 21, 2003

Dear Mr. Larson:

Thank you for writing me concerning civil liberties in America. This is an issue of vital importance to all Americans in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

I have received many comments from Coloradans concerned with increased national security infringing on their civil liberties through wire tapping, the monitoring of internet messages and financial account sage. As your senator, I have always worked diligently to protect the rights of every individual to privacy and from government intrusion. We must strike a balance between protecting an individual's civil rights and the government's duty to defend the country.

Congress has considered several pieces of legislation that examine the issue of privacy. Most notably, Senator Murkowski introduced S.1552, the Protecting the Rights of Individuals Act. This bill would strengthen the protections of civil liberties under the PATRIOT Act. This legislation has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee where it awaits further action. In addition, Senator Craig introduced the SAFE Act, S. 1709, to set reasonable limits on the surveillance allowed under the PATRIOT Act. This legislation is currently in the Judiciary Committee and awaits further action. I will keep your comments in mind should legislation dealing with the PATRIOT Act come to the Senate floor for a vote.

Within the legislation proposing the creation of a new Department of Homeland Security is a program called TIPS. Many Coloradans have contacted me regarding their concerns that this program will infringe on their civil liberties and violate the privacy rights we hold so dear. S.1534, the legislation to create a Department of Homeland Security passed both houses of Congress and was signed into law on November 25, 2002 (PL 107-296).

Recently, I have also heard many concerns regarding the Domestic security Enhancement Act, also known as the PATRIOT Act II. Currently, there is no such legislation that has been proposed in the Senate.

You may be interested to know that the Department of Justice has created a website designed to explain the Patriot Act in detail and describe how this legislation has aided in curbing possible terrorist attacks. This website is www.lifeandliberty.gov

Again, thank you for your letter. Please do not hesitate to contact me again.

Sincerely,

Wayne Allard

United States Senator