Home Secretary Theresa May defended the proposals, explaining that the bill is "ensuring the police and intelligence service can continue catching criminals and terrorists in a world where people are communicating using different means".

BBC: David Davis: Surveillance plans 'incredibly intrusive'

"Here's the guiding principle, " Gutierrez said on National Public Radio's "Tell Me More with Michel Martin" in explaining the rationale for his bill.

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Other major Christian churches have not only officially endorsed the bill but have published learned treatises explaining their position.

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That's exactly what we wanted to see, is explaining to the American people you can save money on your energy bill, this is a smart thing to do, take advantage of it.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama on December Jobs Numbers

"The African-American community stands to benefit enormously from an overarching health reform bill, " he said before explaining that many of the disparities are due to blacks being far more likely to be uninsured.

CNN: President Obama on what black America needs