Des
Moines – After traveling the state talking about smaller government in
Iowa, Congressman Jim Nussle of the 1st District of Iowa voted [last week] against a revision to the USA Patriot Act
that would require law enforcement to obtain a subpoena to access
personal library, firearm, financial and medical records.



“While
there are many effective provisions in the Patriot Act, law enforcement
can track down terrorists without infringing on the civil liberties of
innocent Americans,” said Lt. Governor Sally Pederson. “Congressman
Nussle’s vote doesn’t match his campaign pledge to limit
government.”



The amendment passed in the House 238-187.



During
Nussle’s announcement for governor, he made limited government a
central theme and was quoted as saying “Iowa has just too much
government.” (Mason City Globe Gazette, 6/2/05) This statement clearly
contradicts his vote … granting law enforcement unlimited
access into private records.



“If
Congressman Nussle had his way, he and the U.S. government
could easily access records on every library book you check out, every
firearm you purchase and every visit to the doctor,” said Pederson. “If
that isn’t big government, I don’t know what is.”

To contact Congressman Nussle click here.

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