Rep Neugebauer's (Texas) newsletter

Open email to Rep Neugebauer (Texas):

Dear Rep. Neugebauer,
    I have read your newsletter.
    You you say you want to know more about the collection [seizure] of private information on US citizens. I have written three posts on the subject, all of which have been copied to you, including the latest today. The bottom line is that the present government surveillance system is unconstitutional [Fourth Amendment], because it is too broad in scope. The government seizure of a person's personal records must be based upon a suspicion or anticipation that that person is guilty of an illegal act. A little common sense on how to apply the Patriot Act could easily bring a surveillance program within satisfaction of Fourth Amendment rights.
    With respect to the Farm Bill, you seem to be satisfied with its progress.The Senate version reduces spending by about $23 billion over ten years, while the House reduces spending by about $40 billion. That is good news, but the total bill is also at odds with the opinion of Sen. Cruz. Nearly 80 percent of it is comprised of food stamps, which is an atrocity. I will side with Sen. Cruz on this matter. I have said before and will say again you must eliminate food stamps from this bill. Food stamps are form of welfare having nothing directly to do with agricultural production.
    You say you will be voting next week on the National Defense Authorization Act, and you are favorably inclined. You say the NDAA is a comprehensive bill that authorizes the budget for the Department of Defense and national security programs at the Department of Energy.  It provides the support our troops need—both at home and abroad.  It also provides for our national security by making smart investments in our readiness, and helps prepare for our future by controlling spending. I agree completely with supporting our troops at home and abroad, improving readiness, and controlling spending. However, I believe you are way off base in assuming that it should have anything to do with the Department of Energy. Anything involving national defense should be completely within the Department of Defense. I have said before and repeat now that the Department of Energy should be eliminated. It has done no good in the many years of its existence and has actually contributed to the financial decline of the country.