Patriot Act Extension Filibustered
Washington Times ~ Dec. 17, 2005
Senate Democrats yesterday began filibustering a proposal to extend the USA Patriot Act, raising the probability that key provisions of the anti-terrorism law will expire in two weeks.
Joined by four Republicans, Democrats said the renewal measure lacked protections for Americans’ civil liberties from increased law-enforcement powers.
“Today’s vote is a great moment for our Constitution and our democracy and a great moment in the fight against terrorism,” said Wisconsin’s Sen. Russell D. Feingold, who has led the fight for Democrats. “If you don’t have the confidence of the American people when it comes to this fight against terrorism, if they fear that somehow we’re going too far and going after the rights of law-abiding citizens — it will weaken our ability to win in that all-important battle.”
Republicans warned that allowing the current provisions to expire could have devastating consequences and said Democrats would be punished in next year’s elections for letting it lapse.
