Rep. Perriello Says on State Secrets Protection Act He'll Vote Either Yes or No

Dear Mr. Swanson,

Thank you for contacting me regarding H.R.984, the State Secret Protection Act. I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts on this important issue.

The State Secret Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (NY-08) on February 11, 2009, would narrow the scope of the state secrets privilege. Traditionally, the state secrets privilege has been used to exclude pieces of evidence from trials in situations where the government has claimed that there is a risk to national security. Under the previous administration, this was broadened to block entire lawsuits against the government and withhold information about extraordinary rendition, warrantless domestic wiretapping, and torture. The State Secret Protection Act would give the courts the ability to review government claims of state secret privilege and determine whether there is a security risk in disclosing information or allowing a case to go forward.

I am committed to protecting our national security, and I appreciate that the government has a legitimate interest in protecting sensitive information. However, I also believe that our constitutional principles are not up for negotiation and that our government must be accountable to the American people. I will closely monitor this and other pieces of legislation that aim to restore checks on executive power, transparency in government, and an America that defends human rights and freedom. Should I have the opportunity to vote on this bill, I will take your views into consideration.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact my office. To keep informed of the work I do, please visit my website at www.perriello.house.gov and sign up for my newsletter. If I may be of assistance on this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Tom Perriello
Member of Congress