Right to Privacy Too Often Overlooked

[Henk Elegeert]

REPLY TO: D66 at nic.surfnet.nl

Right to Privacy Too Often Overlooked

http://www.house.gov/paul/tst/tst2000/tst081400.htm

"
>From time to time, some of my colleagues in the House of Representatives
claim that the federal government needs the power to monitor Americans
so it can operate more efficiently. While I do not doubt their good
intentions, I would remind them that in the United States, the people
should never be asked to sacrifice their liberties to make the job of
government a little easier. The government is here to protect the
freedom of the American people, not to invade their privacy in the name
of efficient government.
    With that in mind, I have introduced two key pieces of legislation
aimed at curtailing governmental privacy invasions. The first is the
"Freedom and Privacy Restoration Act" (HR 220). This bill forbids
federal or state governments from using your Social Security number for
purposes not directly related to administering the Social Security
system. When Social Security was introduced, the American people were
told that their number would never become a form of national identifier.
In fact, until the 1970’s all Social Security cards stated on the back
that the card was not an ID card. Unfortunately, cards issued today do
not contain that same phrase, and Congress has been all too eager to
expand the use of Social Security numbers.
    For example, in 1998 over 200 members of Congress voted to allow
states to force citizens to produce a Social Security number before they
could exercise their right to vote. Also, day-to-day private business
dealings are becoming increasingly difficult without a Social Security
number. You cannot open a bank account, get married, or even obtain a
fishing license without disclosing your Social Security number. My bill
will restore privacy to Americans who currently are being abused by
overreaching government.
    The other piece of legislation I have introduced is the "Census
Privacy Act" (HR 4085). This bill will prohibit the Census Bureau from
collecting any information from citizens except for their name, address
and the number of people per residence.
That is all Congress needs for a head count of the population in order
to re-draw congressional districts every ten years as is required by the
Constitution.
    I introduced this legislation after scores of calls to my office
during the recent census process from constituents who thought the long
forms were too intrusive. There is no reason why the federal government
needs to know how much money you make or how many bathrooms you have in
your home. This information is personal and private, and I am committed
to restoring to Americans the peace of mind that comes from knowing that
every detail of their lives is not being recorded.
    On a more positive note, privacy advocates scored a major victory
this summer when the House passed an amendment I proposed to an
appropriations bill that will prohibit the federal government from
imposing a  uniform standard health identifier on the American people.
As a doctor, I know how important it is to insure patient
confidentiality, and I am very pleased my colleagues supported the
amendment. It is the only way to guarantee that national medical ID’s do
not become a reality.
    The other major privacy victory recently was when the federal
government withdrew proposed Know Your Customer regulations which would
have forced banks to report practically every customer transaction to
the government. I was proud to lead the effort on the Banking Committee
to stop this invasion of privacy with my "Bank Secrecy Sunset Act" (HR
518), would have overturned any such regulations. Fortunately, the
proposal was withdrawn before the legislation was needed, but I believe
this will be an ongoing battle. Those advocating more intrusion by the
government will continue their legislative efforts, and we must stand
ready to face that constant threat.
"

Dat zouden er meer moeten doen.

Henk Elegeert

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