I'm very happy for your opinion on the Patriot Act. I also would be concerned, as you seem to to be "not to enact bad law just to be do something."
I have every hope that the President will not enact law just to "be do" something. In fact, I know it.
His signature on CFR seems to contradict this belief. He stated that he had concerns but he signed it anyway since something had to be done.
Did the administration write the Patriot Act or did congress? I am aware that congress is responsible for drafting legislation, but it is not uncommon for administrations to craft the bills.