Washington (June 2, 2015) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement after voting to end the bulk collection of Americans’ phone records and for passage of the USA Freedom Act.

“Today, the Senate said no to surveillance laws that have failed to balance the need for security with the right to privacy. We said no to the illegal bulk collection of Americans’ phone records. And we said no to FISA court rulings shrouded in secrecy. I am pleased that Congress has not simply extended sections of the Patriot Act without reforms to increase transparency and accountability. The USA Freedom Act takes important steps to protect the privacy and liberty of the American people in the 21st century digital world.”