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WHOA! This should be its own thread.

"Most notably, this agreement permanently tears down 'the wall' that prior to 9/11 prohibited the sharing of information between the law enforcement and intelligence communities and hindered their ability to 'connect the dots.' I am concerned the recent snag in support for the agreement gets us a little closer to rebuilding 'the wall.' We must permanently eliminate 'the wall' -- and this agreement does that.

"This agreement also ensures our tools to fight the next Mohammed Atta intent on killing thousands of Americans are at least as tough as those to fight drug dealers and organized crime.

I still don't see where Specter is holding it up. I believe it - just haven't seen press or Congressional Record. Sessions was rather upset this afternoon, and acted as though the act would not be coming up for a vote. Frist said otherwise, yesterday.

[Congressional Record: November 17, 2005 (Senate)]
[Page S13067-S13068] - SCHEDULE
Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, in addition to that, I know everybody is concerned about travel plans and when we are going to leave. I have been very clear throughout that we have business to do. This is the last legislative effort before we leave for Christmas, but it is also important that we recognize we still have four conference reports that are open that we are waiting to bring and take to the floor. So I encourage our colleagues to try to close those reports as soon as possible. Again, there are four that are outstanding.
In addition, I made it very clear that we are going to address the PATRIOT Act legislation before we leave. There are good discussions underway. I know those discussions were continuing late into last night. I encourage all of our colleagues to understand the importance of that legislation. We want to get it right and make sure that it is in good shape to bring to the floor, but we do need to address that before we leave.