Jim Patterson and Senator Dianne Feinstein on NSA Surveillance of US Government Allies

September 30, 2015

Mr. James Patterson

766 Harrison St, Unit 211

San Francisco, California 94107

Dear Mr. Patterson:

Thank you for contacting me to express your concern about alleged National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance of government leaders of our allies.  I am pleased to report that this is an issue on which we agree, and I sincerely apologize for the delay in my response.

As you are aware, recent news reports have alleged that the NSA routinely conducted surveillance on foreign leaders of allied nations, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President François Hollande, as well as other countries and institutions that are friends and allies to the United States.

Like you, I oppose the surveillance on foreign leaders of allied nations.  Unless the United States is engaged in hostilities against a country or there is an emergency need for this type of surveillance, I do not believe that as a general matter, the United States should be collecting phone calls or emails of the leaders of friendly nations with whom we consult regularly.  You will be pleased to know that in light of some of the recent allegations in the press, the Intelligence Committee, of which I am Vice Chairman, is conducting an ongoing review of all U.S. intelligence collection programs.  

Additionally, in January 2014, President Obama announced several changes to surveillance practice and stated that the U.S. government would no longer conduct electronic surveillance on the leaders of allied nations. This guidance, known as Presidential Policy Guidance 28, is a positive step towards maintaining a balance between honoring the privacy of our allies and continuing to gather intelligence to protect our nation. 

Again, thank you for writing.  I will certainly keep your views in mind as the Committee conducts its review of intelligence programs.  If you have any additional comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Dianne Feinstein

                 United States Senator

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Jim Patterson on North Korean Sanctions

Dear Mr. Patterson:

Thank you for contacting me regarding sanctions against North Korea.  I appreciate the time you took to write, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

As you may know, U.S. sanctions against North Korea are administered by the Treasury and State Departments, and are authorized by multiple legal authorities including executive orders, federal statutes, and United Nations Security Council resolutions.  On January 2, 2015, through Executive Order 13687, President Obama imposed the most recent set of sanctions on North Korea. 

As you may know, the "North Korea Sanctions Enforcement Act of 2015" (H.R. 757), which was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Edward R. Royce (R-CA), would direct the President to investigate the designation of sanctions upon individuals suspected of transacting with the North Korean government.  Additionally, the legislation calls for the implementation of additional sanctions on the North Korean government as well as a promotion of human rights efforts within the country.  H.R. 757 is currently pending in the House Foreign Affairs Committee, among other House committees.  I understand you supported this bill when it was introduced last Congress as H.R. 1771.  

Please know that I have carefully noted your views regarding additional sanctions against North Korea, and I will be mindful of your letter should the Senate consider such legislation in the near future.

Again, thank you for writing.  I hope you will continue to contact me regarding issues of importance to you.  Should you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact my Washington, D.C., office at (202) 224-3841.  Best regards.

Sincerely yours,


  Dianne Feinstein
         United States Senator