WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- President George W. Bush said Saturday U.S. national security depends on granting private companies protection from class action lawsuits.
In his weekly radio address, Bush criticized leaders of the House of Representatives for refusing to pass what he called "vital legislation giving our intelligence professionals the tools they need to quickly and effectively monitor foreign terrorist communications."
"Congress' failure to pass this legislation was irresponsible," he said. "It will leave our nation increasingly vulnerable to attack."
Congressional Democrats have balked at approving legislation that will grant communication companies immunity from lawsuits in privacy cases.
"It is unfair and unjust to threaten these companies with financial ruin only because they are believed to have done the right thing and helped their country," Bush said.
"Without protection from lawsuits, private companies will be increasingly unwilling to take the risk of helping us with vital intelligence activities."
Bush said the choice before the House is either to "put our national security in the hands of plaintiffs' lawyers" or to "entrust it to the men and women of our government who work day and night to keep us safe."
