Posted on 02/08/2011 5:11:43 PM PST by speciallybland
A measure to extend key provisions of the Patriot Act counterterrorism surveillance law through December failed the House Tuesday night, with more than two-dozen Republicans bucking their party to oppose the measure.
The House measure, which was sponsored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) and required a two-thirds majority for passage, failed on a 277-to-148 vote. Twenty-six Republicans voted with 122 Democrats to oppose the measure, while 67 Democrats voted with 210 Republicans to back it. Ten members did not vote.
The measure would have extended three key provisions of the Patriot Act that are set to expire on Monday, Feb. 28, unless Congress moves to reauthorize them. One of the provisions authorizes the FBI to continue using roving wiretaps on surveillance targets; the second allows the government to access "any tangible items," such as library records, in the course of surveillance; and the third is a "lone wolf" provision of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorist Prevention Act that allows for the surveillance of targets who are not connected to an identified terrorist group.
(Excerpt) Read more at voices.washingtonpost.com ...
Yes! I am extremely glad that these powers have been stripped from our would be dictator. I am extremely disappointed in the Republicans who voted almost enmass to extend Obama’s police powers. Congratulations to the Democrats who voted against this monstrosity.
Why should we expect every Republican to vote in lock step on this issue when even here on FR the debate seems to be running less than 50-50 in favor of the Patriot Act?
Why should we expect every Republican to vote in lock step on this issue when even here on FR the debate seems to be running less than 50-50 in favor of the Patriot Act?
Why should we expect every Republican to vote in lock step on this issue when even here on FR the debate seems to be running less than 50-50 in favor of the Patriot Act?
The Patriot Act is a joke, when 75% of the Southern Border is wide open and terrorists can bring in plutonium inside a bale of marijuana.
I wouldn’t be so sure of that. For national security reasons (at least under Bush), most “victories” against the terrorists probably wouldn’t be announced and trumpeted.
Yes, GOOD!
I had a problem with Bush having that kind of authority even after 9-11...but Obama? Holder? NO MORE!
Leaving aside the merits for or against the Patriot Act extension, this is a huge embarassment for the GOP leadership in the House. They look like a bunch of bumbling amateurs who are not ready for prime time. Boehner, Cantor and McCarthy all have to wear this botched job. They better get their act together before they screw up something else. The Dems must be giddy at the prospect of being to twist these guys into knots with the House procedural rules.
The provisions are tools for tyrants.
All the Obama need do is declare Rome2000 a “lone wolf” and, with a little paperwork, can surveil you 24/7 including library book borrowing records.
Not so much a problem with a responsible administration, but in the hands of a would-be tyrant can turn real ugly real fast. We don’t trust the government, that’s why we have a constitution - remember?
I could not agree more.
The IRS is the true root of corruption and evil.
Without our Gestapo, we would be free.
So they do understand "predictability and certainity"? Certainity is good for law enforcement agencies, bad for business?
Politically, I think this was handled perfectly by Republicans I might be open to gaining some renewed respect for them. Conservatives must stand up against big government and government intrusion on principle or we will lose the big arguments against big govt like Obamacare. The Patriot act was one of those things that was a Bush big government albatross, I am not bashing, I really respect George W. Bush, I think after 911 the Congress did a lot of over-reach just because they wanted to make sure they did everything they could to protect us. In view of recent history I think paring back on the Patriot Act is sensible, but Republicans should really be pushing now on new rules for Profiling and stronger border security.
You are way to cynical, give it a rest... You would prefer the march to Marxism that the Democraps were bringing you in the Pelosi House? Step back and look at this from a glass half full perspective, think like a Conservative small government, fiscally responsible chap whats so bad about sunsetting the Patriot act?
Curiously, the Oatriot Act has yet to impinge on my liberties. Has it on yours?
The tyrant in the WH and his comrades don’t care about the law and will do whatever they want, all this does is handcuff the good guys.
Are you blind, deaf or dumb? My comments were specifically aimed at the incompetence of the GOP in not getting passage of a resolution because they got snookered into using a procedure which gave their opponents a win they could otherwise not have obtained. You may be happy that this specific resolution failed, but there will be many others where you will be supporting the GOP majority and will be horrified if a vote is lost because of GOP procedural incompetence. I took no position on the wisdom or lack thereof of renewing the Patriot Act. The majority of the GOP members clearly think it’s a good idea, but I don’t know enough about the details to take a position (and as a non-American I don’t have a dog in the hunt). Next time read before you react.
Not having this law may not stop them, but having this law does make it easier for them. Every hindrance helps us.
Hi Okie01,
You accidently responded to me on a comment I did not make. :)
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