Powerful Business Groups Seek Congress To Limit Patriot Act

In a letter to Congress on Wednesday, some of the nation's top 25 most powerful lobbyists complained that the Patriot Act too easily facilitates the government obtaining confidential business records as well as other problems. Signateurs included the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Association of Realtors, among others. In the first organized criticism effort from the business sector, the groups endorsed ammendments restricting several powers of federal agents affecting both the Senate's and House's version of the bill.



Well, it's about time! Horray. Finally some key lobbyists are taking action on this controversial bill, and I don't know about you, but this makes me very happy.

Of particular note to me in the article:

Specifically, the groups endorsed a Senate provision that would require federal agents to provide to a court that sits in secret to issue Patriot Act warrants a statement of facts showing "some linkage between the records sought and an individual suspected of being a terrorist or spy."

That secret judiciary is something that has always bothered me. I just really really do not like the idea of that secrecy, and the potential for abuse that it brings.

And another:

Finally, they endorsed Senate amendments that would provide the first "meaningful right to challenge the (Patriot Act court) order when the order is unreasonable, oppressive or seeks privileged information" and the right to challenge the existing permanent gag order covering document demands made under the act.

This is another key issue with the bill that has had many people very concerned about the tremendous power and impunity it gives federal agencies. At least with this proposed ammendment, more reasonable checks and balances would be put into place.

The power and influence of these groups should not be inderestimated. They may make a real difference, and provide a solution we can all live with- IF they go through. My fingers are crossed. Bigtime.

Related News Links:
seattletimes.nwsource.com
www.washingtonpost.com
www.eff.org

Related AboveTopSecret.com Discussion Threads:
WAR: Federal Judge Rules Some Portions of U.S. Patriot Act Unconstitutional
OP/ED: Voice Your Opinon to Congress Quickly and Easily on Patriot Act II!
OP/ED: Analyzing the Security Gained by the PATRIOT Act
Want to know whats in the Patriot Act 2?

[edit on 10/12/05 by FredT]

Fantastic post, I really liked it.

It is about time that people begin to stand up towards the Patriot Act and aim to get it removed otherwise it'll become another version [although weaker] of the Enabling Act, however at the present time the Government/Media, have done a good job of ruining those who stand out against such issues.

If they dislike the Neo-Con ideology, the one that helped push this through and the 'sudden' emotional response to a tragic event they have became 'Un American's', now big business one thing which is central to America is coming out on the line of those who want it removed.

Who knows, maybe next people will begin to listen?

I find it strange that these are the same people who are lobbying for laws that don't hold them responsible when your personal information that they have is compromised. This looks kind of like an I'll scartch your back and you scratch mine deal.

Actually what they are complaining about is their own private invasion. The care less about the consumer what they don't want is public display of their personal files.

Well, sorry folks, but please note that this will remain as a submission due to the recent unfortunate crash. I was informed that it will not likely be recovered, and therefore will need to resubmit it. Watch for it soon!

Thanks,
TA