[From U.S. Representative Don Edwards] Congress of the United States House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary 2138 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20515-0216 October 26, 1994 Mitchell Kapor John Perry Barlow Electronic Frontier Foundation 238 Main Street Cambridge, MA 02142 Dear Mitch and John, I am writing to thank you and your Board for the invaluable support that EFF provided in the defense of civil liberties during the past year's debate on the digital wiretapping bill. I know there has been some criticism on the Net of the legislation and EFF's role. I understand the unease with which people view this legislation -- I too was uneasy when the issue first emerged-- but I am certain we did the right thing. EFF has become the most effective voice in Washington for the protection of civil liberties in the new electronic environment. On the digital wiretap bill, EFF's consistent defense of privacy was critical every step of the way -- first in blocking the broadly intrusive versions of the digital legislation that were proposed by the Bush and Clinton Administrations, and then in demanding a series of privacy enhancing provisions when it became clear that some bill was going to pass. Throughout, EFF had the expertise, credibility and persistence necessary to achieve a balanced outcome. As you know, I am retiring at the end of this Congress. I hope that EFF is around for many, many years to ensure that civil liberties are protected in this electronic age. With kindest regards, Sincerely. Don Edwards Chairman Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights