Government

On Second Try, House Approves Patriot Act Extension

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House on Monday agreed to a 10-month extension of three key law enforcement powers in the fight against terrorism that some privacy advocates from both the right and left regard as infringements on civil liberties.

The House measure, passed 275-144, would extend authority for the USA Patriot Act-related provisions until Dec. 8. Common ground must be found with the Senate before the provisions expire on Feb. 28.

At issue are two provisions of the post-Sept. 11 law that give counterterrorism offices roving wiretap authority to monitor multiple electronic devices and court-approved access to business records relating to a terrorist investigation.

The third “lone wolf” provision of a 2004 law permits secret intelligence surveillance of non-U.S. individuals not known to be linked to a specific terrorist organization.

Last week the House, in an embarrassment for the new GOP leadership, failed to pass the same bill under an expedited procedure requiring a two-thirds majority. Twenty-six Republicans joined 122 Democrats in voting against it. Monday’s vote drew 27 Republican no votes.

The main objections are to what critics see as unconstitutional search and seize authority and big government intrusions into private lives.

“I believe the American people have a legitimate fear of out-of-control government,” said conservative Republican Dana Rohrabacher, one of the GOP no votes. “And yes, they have a legitimate fear of out-of-control prosecutors and out-of-control spy networks.”

But House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith, R-Texas, argued that the courts had consistently upheld the constitutionality of the provisions and that if Congress fails to extend them, “we will forfeit our ability to prevent terrorist attacks.“ He said a temporary extension ”is the only way to provide House members the time to study the law” and consider possible changes.

This time the bill was brought up under a procedure requiring only a simple majority for passage. Democrats got only one chance at changing the bill: an amendment stating that investigations must comply with the Constitution and that courts must give expedited consideration when a U.S. citizen argues that his or her constitutional rights have been violated. It was defeated on a party-line vote.

In the Senate, Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., on Thursday plans to bring before his committee a bill that would extend the three provisions through 2013 while tightening disclosure procedures. Republicans have countered with a proposal to make the three measures permanent.

There’s pressure on the two chambers to reach agreement this week because next week, leading up to the Feb. 28 deadline, Congress will not be in session.

The White House has said it “does not object” to the 10-month extension proposed by the House but would prefer stretching the provisions through the end of 2013 because “longer duration provides the necessary certainty and predictability that our nation’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies require.”

Laura Murphy, director of the American Civil Liberties Union’s Washington legislative office, said it was a mistake to renew the three provisions without added safeguards for privacy. “We urge the Senate to reject this bill and instead make the necessary changes that will bring the Patriot Act in line with the Constitution.”

Comments (26)

  • RoBoTech
    Posted on February 16, 2011 at 6:32am

    I called my Rep (Aderholt) and ask what his vote would be. The staffer said he didn’t know yet. That was 2 hours before they passed this thing. the staffer DID know and lied to me.
    Aderholt voted yes.
    I have voted for Adrholt every time he has been elected.It won’t happen in 2012.
    Then Boehner reneged on his promise to defund Obamacare. He then allowed the bill to come to the floor without defunding it. Then LIED and said that members were going to add amendments to do. Then KILLED Rep Kings amendment in the committees.
    Boehner, you LIED!
    Third Party in 2012, here I come.

    Report Post »  
    • 2gether
      Posted on February 17, 2011 at 4:25pm

      He didn’t lie. They said they would first vote it unconstitutional. Of course that didn’t make it through the senate. They will attempt to defund things one at a time, first they have to pass a budget that was totally ingnored by the democrats when they had the opportunity to do something…like LEAD! Now I hope the politicians have the you know what to do what is right. This is not about being re-elected this about doing what is right for the country. The GOP plans on informing all Americans first in regards to what is in the bill and how bad some of these amendments are. They will then defund it piece by piece, which of course will be met with a senate NO vote or an Obama veto. 2012 we will need to elect many more independents, blue dogs or my choice of tea party backers or GOOOH candidates who seem to be the only people serious about tackling the problem. If Americans don’t see what is happening with both parties up on the Hill we are doomed. The only way to stop a run away train is to slam on the brakes or derail the train. The progressives are about to derail the American train. We need to hang on so we can get control to slam on the brakes.

      Report Post »  
  • OperationNorthwoods
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:32pm

    Where’s all the little Thomas Jeffersons I heard from during the elections. Oh that’s right the elections are over back to gutting the constitution.

    Report Post » OperationNorthwoods  
  • tinlizy
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:12pm

    Congress republicans of the bush era must go now!!! Impeach all of them.

    Report Post » tinlizy  
  • tinlizy
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:11pm

    How many times has Obama assaulted our constitution? How many times have bills been passed taking our rights and freedoms away? How many Fema camps were authorized to be built in 2009 (6) a major assault on our civil rights? how many body groaps and theft has occured under TSA as a way to humiliate Americans with no consequences? Who is the real terrorists? Wake up America.

    Report Post » tinlizy  
  • tinlizy
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:08pm

    in the last 10 years, you bank has looked at your records 2 million times and reported it back to the government. concerned yet? Rand Paul.

    Report Post » tinlizy  
  • cykonas
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:17am

    @Registered Republican Voters in SC-2
    An interesting side note I want to share with any posters from this district. Your Representative, Joe Wilson, is a House Tea Party Caucus member. He, along with many other caucus members, voted to extend the 3 provisions of the PA that allow unprecedented intrusion into your lives and the lives of all Americans. Joe Wilson, however, is the only one I know of that called the President a liar during his 2010 SOTU address (out loud anyway). Since he has apparently sold himself to his voters as a small government patriot you all may want to return the favor and email him simply, You Lie! Just a thought. Peace.

    Report Post » cykonas  
  • joek
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 11:02am

    There is nothing more Anti-American than the patriot act. It is a glaring example of haste makes waste. And a good example of not letting a crises go to waste.

    A slap in the face to the Constitution, the bill of rights and the American people.

    Report Post »  
  • Conservative Hippy
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 10:51am

    Any info gained through this program should not be able to be used against a US citizen in court. I dont have a problem with the Gov using it to stop terrorist attacks, but info gathered by these means should not be admissable in court against a US citizen.

    Report Post »  
  • va_magoo
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 10:17am

    Time to stock up on ammo, food, water…..
    The end is coming……
    Ye better prepare.

    Report Post » va_magoo  
  • wash1776
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 8:31am

    For the house to do this after all of their promises is truly unacceptable. This kind of crap will not get more of them in office in 2012.

    Report Post »  
  • NHABE64
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 7:29am

    Its about time somebody got their head on straight!

    Report Post »  
    • RKade
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:00pm

      What ever make it easier to track this vermin who seek to undermine America from within and without is good for American. I supported the patriot act when it was first passed and support in now.

      Ladies and gentle men there is T*R*O*U*B*L*E here in the USA and the world, The more we know the better we can prepare I see the Patriot Act as a tool which helps us prepare.

      Report Post »  
  • cykonas
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 6:49am

    Last week, in a related story I posted that the “tea party” darlings, Bachmann, West, Ryan, et al, gave us a glimpse of their true colors. Many posters said that was looking at it the wrong way. They said their vote to extend was somehow strategic. Well, some strategy! They voted to extend the provisions AGAIN!! I think we might rename the group the T party; where T is for traitor.

    Predictably, as it has been for 20 years plus, the only R front runner that voted against the bill was Ron Paul. The article here says there were 27 total R’s that voted against. I went to thomas.gov this morning and looked at the roll call vote. I could only find 26, but maybe I miscounted.

    Here is a list of the R heroes who voted against it. These people understand, and apply, the Constitution to their voting. The other R’s, by whatever label, conservative, tea party, RINO, moderate, either don’t understand the Constitution, don’t know how to apply the Constitution to their legislative efforts, or both. There is a link to the House Directory below in case you would like to thank/chastise your Representative/Coward. Peace

    Paul, Gibson, Fitzpatrick, Duncan(TN), Mack, Marchant, McClintock, Woodall, Young(AK), Campbell, Bishop(UT), Bartlett, Amash, Broun(GA), Labrador, Kingston, Jones, Johnson(IL), Schweikert, Hultgren, Heller, Graves(GA), Rehberg, Roe(TN), Rohabacher and Schilling.

    House Contact Info: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

    Report Post » cykonas  
    • cykonas
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 12:08pm

      It took a bit longer to cross reference this list and it may not be 100% correct. These are the members of the House T (for traitor) Party Caucus the rights of the Government before the rights of the citizens without regard to what the Constitution that they swore to uphold says. I’m crying right along with the rest of you because my Rep. is on the list. It’s a great example of why “labels”, any labels, are meaningless. Almost all of them do what they want when they want. It disgusts me.

      One good note; 19 of the 27 who voted against the extension were freshman. Let‘s hope they don’t get corrupted like the veterans in the list below.

      Robert Aderholt (AL-4)
      Todd Akin (MO-2)
      Rodney Alexander (LA-5)
      Michele Bachmann (MN-6)
      Joe Barton (TX-6)
      Gus Bilirakis (FL-9)
      Michael Burgess (TX-26)
      John Carter (TX-31)
      Howard Coble (NC-6)
      Mike Coffman (CO-6)
      Ander Crenshaw (FL-4)
      John Fleming (LA-4)
      Trent Franks (AZ-2)
      Phil Gingrey (GA-11)
      Louie Gohmert (TX-1)
      Ralph Hall (TX-4)
      Gregg Harper (MS-3)
      Wally Herger (CA-2)
      Lynn Jenkins (KS-2)
      Steve King (IA-5)
      Doug Lamborn (CO-5)
      Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-9)
      Cynthia Lummis (WY)
      Gary Miller (CA-42)
      Sue Myrick (NC-9)
      Randy Neugebauer (TX-19)
      Mike Pence (IN-6)
      Ted Poe (TX-2)
      Tom Price (GA-6)
      Ed Royce (CA-40)
      Steve Scalise (LA-1)
      Pete Sessions (TX-32)
      Adrian Smith (NE-3)
      Lamar Smith (TX-21)
      Cliff Stearns (FL-6)
      Alan West (FL-22)
      Lynn Westmoreland (GA-3)
      Joe Wilson (SC-2)

      Peace.

      Report Post » cykonas  
  • ObliviouslyAware
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 5:44am

    FASCISM!!! It’s Unconstitutional, It’s based in BS, note how Joe Biden tried to pass something very similar after the OK City Bombing in the 90s… This Is Purely For Control.

    Report Post » ObliviouslyAware  
  • Sandman75
    Posted on February 15, 2011 at 5:38am

    Oh boy! I’m first.

    Hopefully Beck will list all of the names of the ones that did vote for it. The Patriot act needs to sunset.

    Report Post » Sandman75  
    • jacques poutine
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 8:19am

      all this excitement about being first and what you come up with is:

      “the patriot act needs to sunset”

      awesome *thumbs up*

      Report Post »  
    • wash1776
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 8:29am

      Sounds like an ego trip to me. What’s the big deal about being first. Not difficult since there are only 5 on here. 6 now.

      Report Post »  
    • Sinista Mace
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 8:43am

      Thank you for showing your true colors Congress!

      Now I know exactly who NOT to support again.

      Ever.

      You Bill of Rights-trashing vermin.

      This is enough for an Egyptian-style uprising to me.

      Constitutional Amendment: Prosecute Congressional Members who Lie to constituents then do what the hell they want.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • tifosa
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 9:45am

      How many of those who voted yes are Republican presidential candidates in 2012? I mean besides Allen West (210 R’s, 65 D’s)

      Report Post » tifosa  
    • MOVETERAN
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 10:11am

      What disappointment. I thought we actually had elected some people that had the same ideas on how to fix things and the big steel round ones to back it up.

      Report Post » MOVETERAN  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 10:47am

      Bet he won’t. GB supports it.

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • techengineer11
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 10:52am

      Sinista Mace: I called my Congressman yest evening as soon as I heard it was up for a a vote again and gave him hell. I told him that practically every other R congressman in GA voted against it except him (Austin Scott).. All they could say was that not ever R voted against it and that many R supported it.
      It appears that in the 8th district of GA we finally got rid of a liberal Neo-Con only to replace him with a R Neo-Con which imo is more dangerous! I’m really upset over this vote too because I had high hopes for Scott.. Now as I look at especially Bachman and all of these other supposedly Tea Party Rs it makes me want to puke!!

      Report Post » techengineer11  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 2:26pm

      I need to find out if my rep voted for it.. I can’t beleive it.. HOW could they do that???

      Report Post » independentvoteril  
    • independentvoteril
      Posted on February 15, 2011 at 3:34pm

      My rep is conservative AND is in the military.. he voted yes on the bill but it will expire Dec 8, 2011 he said they were more or less blind sided by it having just got there.. the bill WILL be revised before the vote on Dec 8 to INSURE the privacy of citizens.. the 4th amendment they will be taking out anything that infringes on our rights….Obama did NOT get the 3 years he wanted.. but the congress felt it necessary to pass it until they could fix it.. not the best plan would have preferred to have it done and over with but the new guy‘s don’t have all the facts we are not privy to yet..I already called my rep to let him know how I feel so we will have to pray they are telling the truth.. The new guy’s/girl’s have to undo what OBAMA DID and what BUSH DID too..

      Report Post » independentvoteril  

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