Boehner backs Bush on FISA reform

WASHINGTON, July 30 (UPI) -- The House Republican leader has backed President Bush on trying to boost the FISA law.

Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, the leader of the Republican minority in the U.S. House of Representatives, issued a statement Saturday supporting President George W. Bush's call in his weekly radio address to beef up the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which was passed in 1978.

"President Bush is right. It's time for Congress to modernize FISA, close the terrorist loophole, and better protect the American people," Boehner said.

"The National Intelligence Estimate warns that the international commitment to defeating the radical jihadist threat 'may wane as 9/11 becomes a more distant memory.' Over the last seven months, we have already seen this happen within our own Congress," he said.

"It is imperative that Congress close the gaping loophole in our intelligence law," Boehner said. "Instead of shielding terrorists, we should be doing everything we can to protect each and every American from potential future attacks."

Republicans and Democrats remain deeply divided over FISA reform. Republicans say strengthening the act is essential to allow U.S. intelligence services to keep track of potential terror attacks. But Democrats say the current law is sufficient and oversight to prevent abuse needs to be strengthened.