An extension of 4 years just kicks the can down the road too. Agreed it is not the only option, an extension buys time to negotiate details.
Meanwhile, the lapse of the Patriot Act is not a dire event, IMO.
No kidding, it's not like we've been attacked in the last 4 years. Obviously, we've won the war on terrorism and legislation like the Patriot Act is just a needless infringement of your rights and had nothing to do with the lack of direct attacks on the USA, correct? [/sarcasm