The Honorable Benjamin L. Cardin
U.S. House of Representatives
2267 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-2003

November 14, 2002

Dear Congressman Cardin:

I am disappointed to find that you voted in favor of the Homeland Security Act, particularly because the Cyber Security Enhancement Act (CSEA) was included as an amendment to the final version.

This bill allows police to conduct Internet or telephone eavesdropping without a court order, and offers Internet providers protection from lawsuits when they disclose information about their customers to police. I believe without these necessary safeguards in place, this change in policy will leave the new wiretapping regulations ripe for abuse by unethical law enforcement officers.

The CSEA also provides for a life sentence for malicious computer hacking, which I believe is a seriously disproportionate punishment to attach to any non-violent crime.

I would enjoy hearing your thoughts on both HSA and CSEA and why you chose to vote in favor of the combined bill.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Rob Carlson

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