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Ruppersberger Commends DNI on Declassifying Telephone Metadata Documents

July 31, 2013                                                                                  Contact: Allison Getty
For Immediate Release                                                                   Allison.Getty@mail.house.gov
                                                                                                       202-225-7690
 

 Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), Ranking Member on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement regarding the telephone metadata documents declassified by the Director of National Intelligence.

“I commend the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) for declassifying the three telephone metadata collection documents today.

These formerly Top Secret documents help correct many misperceptions of the NSA program, and demonstrate the strict procedures and oversight in place to protect privacy.  The Primary Court Order, which accompanied the Secondary Order Mr. Snowden leaked, imposes pages of requirements and limitations on NSA’s retention of and access to this data.  These declassified documents also make very clear that the metadata collected does not—and cannot-- include any substantive content, or even any identifying information like names and addresses. 

This tool is essential to prevent future attacks on America, just as it may have helped derail the 9/11 plan had it been in place.  It is important for the public to understand the value of this program and its many safeguards as we continue to look for ways to further national security and the privacy of American citizens.”

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