Patriot Act critics propose temporary extension

calidan · Dec 13, 2005, 03:20 AM

Senate Democrats proposed on Monday a three-month extension of the Patriot Act as an alternative to the Bush administration's support for a broader expansion of the law's surveillance authorities.

Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, said "we should make every effort to make this a better bill that will strengthen, instead of jeopardize, the public's faith and trust." Another Democrat, Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, has threatened a filibuster.

Sixteen portions of the massive law, including ones relating to electronic and Internet surveillance, expire Dec. 31. The majority will stay in effect unless repealed.

The looming deadline, and votes expected in the Senate and House of Representatives this week, has prompted a frenzied round of political jockeying. With the aid of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Republicans claim an expansion of the law--in the form of a 219-page "conference report" (click for PDF)--is necessary to fight terrorists.

But Democrats and a handful of Republicans, wary of the proposed additions to the Patriot Act and what they view as an unseemly haste to rush them into law, introduced a bill Monday calling for a temporary, three-month renewal.

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Read More / Source: News.com

Dec 13, 2005, 03:20 AM	#1
calidan Frozen in Carbonite Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 1,409 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Patriot Act critics propose temporary extension Senate Democrats proposed on Monday a three-month extension of the Patriot Act as an alternative to the Bush administration's support for a broader expansion of the law's surveillance authorities. Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Vermont Democrat, said "we should make every effort to make this a better bill that will strengthen, instead of jeopardize, the public's faith and trust." Another Democrat, Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, has threatened a filibuster. Sixteen portions of the massive law, including ones relating to electronic and Internet surveillance, expire Dec. 31. The majority will stay in effect unless repealed. The looming deadline, and votes expected in the Senate and House of Representatives this week, has prompted a frenzied round of political jockeying. With the aid of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, Republicans claim an expansion of the law--in the form of a 219-page "conference report" (click for PDF)--is necessary to fight terrorists. But Democrats and a handful of Republicans, wary of the proposed additions to the Patriot Act and what they view as an unseemly haste to rush them into law, introduced a bill Monday calling for a temporary, three-month renewal. ____________ Read More / Source: News.com __________________ Steam Community :: ID :: calidan "Don't try to be like Jackie. There is only one Jackie.... Study computers instead." - Jackie Chan