Suitably Flip

Rumors of the Death of the Patriot Act

...were overwhelmingly exaggerated.

Rest well, Americans.  The legislation helping to keep us safe and terrorist act-free these last 4.5 years cruised through the House today like a resolution honoring apple pie.  The Yeas outweighed the Nays better than 2:1, with the final roll call tallying 280-138 (with 14 non voters).

Even so, the AP saw fit to call it a "cliffhanger vote" since a two thirds majority (which was attained) was needed to pass the measure on an expedited basis.

The measure renewed 16 key provisions of the Patriot Act that would have otherwise sunsetted (14 permanently, 2 for another 4 years), while introducing new safeguards aimed at protecting civil liberties.

One change would clarify that traditional libraries would not be subjected to federal subpoenas issued without the approval of a judge.

Another would remove a proposed requirement that recipients of such subpoenas provide the FBI with the names of their lawyers.

A third would allow individuals to challenge gag orders when they have been subpoenaed to produce personal information. But they would have to wait a year to do so.

The Senate passed the Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by a vote of 89-10 last week.

Also Pleased About the Federal Government Successfully Discharging its Primary Duty:
Power Line
Blogs for Bush
Stop the ACLU
Sister Toldjah
Decision '08

Comments

Rumors of the Death of the Patriot Act

...were overwhelmingly exaggerated.

Rest well, Americans.  The legislation helping to keep us safe and terrorist act-free these last 4.5 years cruised through the House today like a resolution honoring apple pie.  The Yeas outweighed the Nays better than 2:1, with the final roll call tallying 280-138 (with 14 non voters).

Even so, the AP saw fit to call it a "cliffhanger vote" since a two thirds majority (which was attained) was needed to pass the measure on an expedited basis.

The measure renewed 16 key provisions of the Patriot Act that would have otherwise sunsetted (14 permanently, 2 for another 4 years), while introducing new safeguards aimed at protecting civil liberties.

One change would clarify that traditional libraries would not be subjected to federal subpoenas issued without the approval of a judge.

Another would remove a proposed requirement that recipients of such subpoenas provide the FBI with the names of their lawyers.

A third would allow individuals to challenge gag orders when they have been subpoenaed to produce personal information. But they would have to wait a year to do so.

The Senate passed the Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by a vote of 89-10 last week.

Also Pleased About the Federal Government Successfully Discharging its Primary Duty:
Power Line
Blogs for Bush
Stop the ACLU
Sister Toldjah
Decision '08