Update 12: House, Senate Agree to Extend Patriot Act

"Key Republicans from the House and Senate reached a White House-backed compromise Thursday to renew the broad powers granted to law enforcement agencies in the days after the 2001 terrorist attacks on American soil.

GOP leaders pledged to pass the Patriot Act extension for President Bush's signature by the holidays, although bipartisan criticism flared. Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wis., threatened to filibuster a bill he said lacked adequate safeguards to protect constitutional freedoms.

"We hammered out what I think is a good bill. ... Not a perfect bill, but a good bill," said Sen. Arlen Specter, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who announced the compromise at a news conference in the Capitol.

Rep. James Sensenbrenner, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, said the measure would assist "in the detection, disruption and dismantling of terrorist cells before they strike."

Important parts involve the ability of law enforcement officials to gain access to a wealth of personal data, including library records, as part of investigations into suspected terrorist activity.

The measure provides a four-year extension of the government's ability to conduct roving wiretaps - which may involve multiple phones - and to seek access to many of the personal records covered by the bill.

Also extended for four years is the power to wiretap "lone wolf" terrorists who may operate on their own, without control from a foreign agent or power.

White House officials signaled their satisfaction, and Specter, R-Pa., has credited Vice President Dick Cheney with intervening this week to help bring the House and Senate together.

Critics from the left and right said the legislation was a bad deal.

"Taking away our rights does not make us safer," said Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., one of several lawmakers in both parties demanding changes in the measure.

Six critics, three from each party, said in a statement, "We still can, and must, make sure that our laws give law enforcement agents the tools they need while providing safeguards to protect the constitutional rights of all Americans."

Feingold, one of the six, went further."
Forbes

Anyone who would like to experience first hand the safety offered by a government which is able to operate without the issues of civil liberties, and that can just state national security concerns and not have to explain in any way what those concerns are, should immediately move to Cuba. It's only 90 miles away and has great weather and scenery.

And don't come with the usual "can I point to anyone that's been harmed by the act" If you had been harmed it would be illegal for you to come out and say anything.
The public should raise it's voce in opposition to this travesty.