Rep. Maloney praises Obama’s nomination of complete slate of Privacy and Civil Liberties Board members

-- Maloney had been the prime advocate of a strong Privacy Board as per the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations --
Dec 16, 2011 Issues: 911 Security, Civil Liberties Board
Press Contact: 
Jon Houston (202) 225-7944

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) today praised the announcement today by President Obama of three new nominations to the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB), which Maloney had fought to create as part of the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations in 2004. The PCLOB was reconstituted as an independent body within the Executive Branch in 2007.  

“At long last, the PCLOB has a full complement of five nominees, and upon Senate confirmation they can proceed to function as it was intended by the 9/11 Commission: to help protect the constitutional civil liberties and privacy rights of our citizens as affected by the battle against terrorism and the growth of technology,” Maloney said. “If the PCLOB had been constituted sooner, many vital national security issues could have benefited from its oversight and input. Whether it’s internet security, airport screening, or warrantless tracking, oversight is needed from an independent body that has no interest or incentive to minimize civil liberties infringement.”

“David Medine, Patricia M. Wald and Rachel L. Brand named by the President today join the previously-nominated James Dempsey and Elizabeth Collins Cook, as nominees who will provide that independent voice upon confirmation by the Senate. I hope the Senate acts with speed,” Maloney concluded.

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Background.

Originally formed in 2004 under Rep. Maloney’s legislation to implement all of the 9/11 Commission guidelines, Congress reconstituted the PCLOB in 2007 as an independent body within the Executive Branch.

Link to a letter sent by Rep. Maloney and Sen. Tom Udall in January, 2010 to President Obama asking that he fill these vacancies. (PDF)