29 Mar Cong. Ron Paul Introduces “Privacy Package” To Stop “Big Brother Banking”
Congressman Ron Paul of Texas has introduced an entire package of bills designed to protect American privacy rights and block federal efforts to create a national ID card or invade private bank accounts.
H.R. 220 – FREEDOM AND PRIVACY RESTORATION ACT OF 1999: Would prohibit the federal government from creating a national ID by repealing sections of laws passed in 1996, and would prohibit the use of the Social Security Number as a central identifier.
H.R. 516 – KNOW YOUR CUSTOMER SUNSET ACT OF 1999: Would stop the FDIC and other agencies from implementing the “Know Your Customer” regulations that call for banks to “profile” their customers and report account activities that are not “regular and expected.”
H.R. 517 – FinCEN PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 1999: Would let bank customers check their own files and challenge information they believe to be false or inaccurate – similar to rules regarding FBI files and credit reports.
H.R. 518 – BANK SECRECY SUNSET ACT OF 1999: Would repeal the existing, loosely-written law that gives federal regulators the authority to monitor private bank accounts. Paul’s Bill will send the power back to the states unless Congress passes a better version with more privacy protection.
In introducing the “Privacy Package,” Congressman Paul said, “(i)t’s time for Congress to reign in the creeping Surveillance State; the time has come, the people are demanding it.” Now it’s time to demand that Congress support Congressman Paul’s efforts.
ACTION TO TAKE: Congressman Paul needs co-sponsors – lots of them – to build a ground swell of support for the “Privacy Package.”
(1) Call your Congressman and ask him to sign up as a co-sponsor. Capitol Hill Switchboard: 202-225-3121.
(2) Call Senator Phil Gramm, Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee. Tell him you want him to introduce similar legislation in the Senate. Senator Gramm’s Capitol Hill office number: 202-224-2934.
