Senator Joni Ernst says she’s looking for a compromise that would still allow the National Security Agency to collect raw data on phone calls, but place some limits on the practice to protect Americans’ privacy rights.  “I think there is a middle ground, but I have not seen that language yet,” Ernst says. “I would rather err on the side of caution to make sure that we are protecting our citizens.”

A federal court this week ruled the bulk collection of phone records was unconstitutional. The issue is among those soon to be addressed when Senators consider a bill to reauthorize the so-called Patriot Act that was passed after 9/11, giving the federal government broad powers for terrorism investigations.

“I do support the Patriot Act, but we do have to take a good look at it,” Ernst says. “Are there ways we probably could improve upon it? I think there probably are.” Ernst says the National Security Agency is NOT listening in on everyone’s phone conversations or reading texts, but rather collecting the raw data of which numbers are calling what numbers and how long the calls last. That information can later be used in terror investigations to build a circle of contacts an alleged terrorist may have made before being identified as a suspect.

Ernst made her comments Friday during an appearance on the “Iowa Press” program which will be rebroadcast Sunday at noon on Iowa Public Television.

(Radio Iowa)