Posted on 12/16/2005 9:47:11 AM PST by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - The Senate on Friday rejected attempts to reauthorize several provisions of the USA Patriot Act as infringing too much on Americans' privacy, dealing a major defeat to President Bush and Republican leaders.
In a crucial vote Friday morning as Congress raced toward adjournment, the bill's Senate supporters were not able to garner the 60 votes necessary to overcome a threatened filibuster by Sens. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., and Larry Craig, R-Idaho, and their allies. The final vote was 52-47
Bush, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and GOP congressional leaders had lobbied fiercely to make most of the expiring Patriot Act provisions permanent, and add new safeguards and expiration dates to the two most controversial parts: roving wiretaps and secret warrants for books, records and other items from businesses, hospitals and organizations such as libraries.
Making most of the act's provisions permanent was a priority for both the Bush administration and Republican leaders on Capitol Hill before Congress adjourns for the year.
The House on Wednesday passed a House-Senate compromise bill to renew the Act that supporters say added significant safeguards to the law.
But the law's critics, such as Feingold and Craig, say they don't want the Patriot Act to expire — they just want enough time to improve the bill to the point where it doesn't infringe on American liberties. Bush, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, and House Speaker Dennis Hastert have said they won't accept a short-term extension of the law.
"In the war on terror, we cannot afford to be without these vital tools for a single moment," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said earlier today before the Senate vote.
Congress passed the Patriot Act overwhelmingly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The law expanded the government's surveillance and prosecutorial powers against suspected terrorists, their associates and financiers.
The bill's opponents say the original act was rushed into law, and Congress should take more time now to make sure the rights of innocent Americans are safeguarded before making most of the expiring provisions permanent.
They say the current Patriot Act gives government too much power to investigate people's private lives.
It's not. The 9/11 attack that killed thousands of people in a single day was committed by hijackers who were living in the US with expired visas. Secure our borders and the Patriot Act will be moot.
What you wrote is technically true, and the language technically correct, and that's the problem. The law requires the judge to approve the warrants. There is judicial oversight only in the sense that the judge sees the warrant going across his desk.
The Constitution requires warrants to be issued by a judge. The judge was to be the check against police abuse. I doubt the Founders envisioned the concept where a judge has no discretion on whether to issue a warrant.
True. But Flip Wilson's post has the general idea. But if you need more than that, let me know.
51 republicans voted for cloture
2 dems voted for cloture
There is a huge difference between the parties
So once again our side is threatened and folds without making them actually go through with the filibuster.
What a bunch of girlymen we have in our party!
Quote: "Bush will steamroll the senators on this one."
Of course, you won't mind 'splainin that, would you?
Yes, you saw how Bush's numbers went up when he took on the Democrats regarding the Iraq War? Well, one thing is for sure, while America may be uncertain over the Iraq War, it is not uncertain at all over homeland security issues. Bush won't have to work very hard to make a few Senators very uncomfortable, very quickly.
You mean I'm going to have to say "Thank you" to a bunch of Democrats? Ick!
Frist is listed as a nay vote. Is that right?
This can be layed directly at our old friend Bob Barr's feet. He and his aclu buddies have gotten what the wanted. Ole Bob has gone over to the dark side.
Has your privacy been invaded? Just curious.
They caved to the "threat" of a filibuster?
If they're going to put America at risk, they should at least have to conduct a real filibuster.
"This is a good thing. Our focus should be on securing our borders instead of invading the privacy of Americans."
Thank you. The Bushbots are making a mockery out of Conservatism.
Craig and Feingold - honorary Al Qaeda cell members.
Frist voted Nay for procedural reasons so that he can bring this up for a vote again before December 31st.
I don't know. If any of my emails have been searched by the government, then yes, but there's no way of knowing.
How I wish you were right.
Bush wouldn't use a "HAMMER" if he had one.
The American public could care less, [not to mention that half the voting population wants US out] and unless there is another dramatic and devastating attack on our soil, this is a done deal with the Dems and spineless Repubs in bed with each other and against Bush.
Three more years of this? Give me a freaking break!
The left is going to be the death of this country. Can anyone do something about the "traitorus Spectre"? Why is he even there.?
The specific examples written at this site may be good place for you to get started:
May 19, 2003 issue
Copyright © 2003
Since September 11, a flood of federal legislation has reduced American freedom without increasing our security.
Semper Fi
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