CAPAC Responds to Allegations of NSA Spying on Muslim-Americans
Washington, D.C. – Today Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements in response to The Intercept report that the National Security Agency (NSA) spied on Muslim-American leaders from 2002 to 2008:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair: “I am deeply concerned by the latest report of NSA surveillance targeting Muslim-Americans. National security must be a priority for this country, but it should not serve as a justification to arbitrarily target people simply based on their faith or appearance.
“From NYPD spying and biased FBI trainings to recent reports of NSA surveillance, it is clear that there must be a fundamental shift in the way that law enforcement and the federal government treat Muslim Americans. I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to address this issue and protect the civil rights of all Americans.”
Congressman Mike Honda (CA-17), CAPAC Chair Emeritus: “Yet again, we hear about NSA practices infringing on the civil liberties of our friends, family, and neighbors. A spreadsheet with e-mail addresses of 7,485 targeted individuals screams of the hysteria from the McCarthy era — a dark time in our nation’s history. While I have always strongly supported measures to strengthen our national security, domestic surveillance is a dangerous practice that must be curtailed. I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to enact legislation that reforms and brings accountability and transparency to government surveillance efforts.”
Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03), CAPAC Civil Rights Taskforce Chair: “While Congress has intensified its oversight of the NSA’s surveillance operations, particularly as they may impact U.S. citizens, I remain concerned about reports of overreaching and abuse. All Americans must have the confidence that they are not being targeted because of their race, ethnicity or religion. Even though we do not know all the facts, this latest report further highlights why we need to enact the USA FREEDOM Act to ensure that all surveillance programs are implemented consistent with the Constitution and the laws passed by Congress.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.