(MYSTIC) - Rob Simmons, candidate for U.S. Senate, issued the following statement today responding to Senator Chris Dodd's bill seeking to revoke retroactive immunity for telecommunications firms cooperating with the government's terrorist surveillance program:

"I agree with the position taken by then-Senator Barack Obama last year that telecommunications firms should not be penalized for their cooperation with the government on programs designed to protect Americans in the case of emergency situations where a terrorist attack may be imminent. As someone who understands the intelligence community, I can say without hesitation that the terrorist surveillance program is a critical tool in keeping America safe.

"Today's arraignment of Najibullah Zazi in New York City and last week's arrest Hosam Maher Husein in Dallas, both suspected terrorists accused of plotting to use weapons of mass destruction inside America, came as a result of FBI surveillance. These are stark reminders that our enemies are working day and night to kill us. Senator Dodd would have us drop our guard, and his bill undermines President Obama's ability to fulfill his Constitutional responsibility to protect America."