© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Christie Backs Patriot Act, More Defense Spending In Portsmouth

Chris Christie
Chris Christie
Chris Christie
Chris Christie

Republican Chris Christie says the U.S. needs to boost military spending and not back off on intelligence and surveillance programs. 

Speaking in Portsmouth’s Prescott Park, Chris Christie said the army needs more soldiers, the navy more ships, the air force more planes --and the government more intelligence.

Christie called for an extension to the Patriot act, and said concerns over data collection and privacy are overblown.

“Let’s be clear, all these fears are exaggerated and ridiculous. When it comes to fighting terrorism, our government is not the enemy. And we should not be listening to people like Edward Snowden, who is a criminal.”

The GOP-led US house voted last week voted to end the NSA's bulk phone records collection program, in favor of a system that would allow the NSA to search the data on a case-by-case basis. Christie chided purists in both parties for pointing the US in the wrong direction on intelligence…….But it was the president who Christie mostly criticized. He called the administration’s efforts to strike a deal with Iran on its nuclear program “tragic.” He also criticized president's approach to fighting ISIS, said the US needs to use tougher sanctions to against Russia for its backing of separatists in Ukraine, and warned of China's growing sway in the South China Sea.   

Copyright 2015 New Hampshire Public Radio

Josh has worked at NHPR since 2000 and serves as NHPRâââ

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content