Peters criticizes Loebsack on anti-terrorism bill

Republican congressional hopeful Christopher Peters criticized U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack on Tuesday for voting for a measure billed as a way to fight terrorism by expanding information-sharing among banks, financial institutions and the federal government.

Peters argued the bill would undermine Americans' privacy rights.

'These proposals are brought forward in the name of security, but we know from past experience that innocent Americans will lose their privacy, and we won't be safer because of it,” Peters said.

He added he is 'disappointed that my own congressman, Dave Loebsack, has not been a leader for civil liberties.”

In an interview, the Iowa City physician, who is challenging Loebsack in this year's 2nd District race, said he is skeptical of the ability of the government to look at an individual's data for any reason without a warrant or due process.

A majority of the House voted to approve the bill Monday night, 229-177, with most of the support coming from Republicans. The legislation fell to defeat, however, because it was considered under a rule that requires two-thirds support for passage.

The bill was supported by 147 Republicans and 82 Democrats.

In a statement Tuesday, Loebsack's campaign manager, Joe O'Hern, said, 'We must allow for the appropriate information sharing as we seek to deny access to financing for terrorist organizations such as ISIS. At the same time, no one has been stronger than Dave at protecting the privacy of all citizens. Dr. Peters' lack of specificity on these issues would guarantee neither. This bill contains the necessary safeguards to protect Americans' privacy but also ensures we have the tools necessary to protect our nation.”

Iowa Reps. David Young and Steve King, both Republicans, voted for the bill. Rep. Rod Blum, also a Republican, voted against it.