Patriot Act Goes to Bush's Desk, page 1

The House voted 280-138 to renew a few of the provisions of the Patriot Act by two votes on Tuesday, March 7th. Since passing thru the Senate, congress has now approved what many feel is an infringement on their civil rights. The Patriot Act renewal now only has to be signed into law by President Bush to be extended.

www.cnn.com
Three provisions of the renewed act would be reviewed in four years; the other provisions are permanent.

A version of the reauthorization bill was passed by the House last year. But in December, Senate GOP leaders were unable to muster the 60 votes required under Senate rules to break a filibuster blocking the measure.

Some critics of the final legislation contended that it gives too much power to the executive branch.

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Because the renewal required 2/3rds of the House and Senate's approval it was somewhat likely that the renewal would not pass.

The Senate, passing the renewal last week by a vote of 89-10, was obviously much more enthusiastic about the controversial extension.

It is apparent to me that the House of Representatives is much more attuned to the opinions of the citizens who have been up in arms about the limitation on American civil rights and the near expulsion of the Bill of Rights.

B. Sage

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