July 10, 2008 Bush signs bill on government wiretapping Play video

(NECN: Washington) - President Bush today signed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, in a Rose Garden ceremony, accompanied by Vice president Dick Cheney, and a number of lawmakers.

Mr. Bush said the new law would give intelligence agencies the tools need to protect the nation from future attacks, and at the same time, "protect the liberty of our citizens."

Verbatim:

"The legislation I'm signing today will ensure that our intelligence community professionals have the tools they need to protect our country in the years to come. The DNI and the attorney general both report that once enacted, this law will provide vital assistance to our intelligence officials in their work to thwart terrorist plots. This law will ensure that those companies whose assistance is necessary to protect the country will themselves be protected from lawsuits from past or future cooperation with the government. This law will protect the liberties of our citizens, while maintaining the vital flow of intelligence. This law will play a critical role in helping to prevent another attack on our soil."