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Senate rejects reauthorization of Patriot Act

Filibuster of extension of controversial measures successful

 

Friday, December 16, 2005; Posted: 12:44 p.m. EST (17:44 GMT)

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate on Friday rejected attempts to

reauthorize several provisions of the USA Patriot Act as infringing too

much on Americans' privacy and liberty, dealing a huge defeat to the

Bush administration and Republican leaders.

 

In a crucial vote early Friday, the bill's Senate supporters were not

able to get the 60 votes needed to overcome a threatened filibuster by

Sens. Russ Feingold, D-Wisconsin, and Larry Craig, R-Idaho, and their

allies. The final vote was 52-47.

 

President Bush, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Republicans

congressional leaders had lobbied fiercely to make most of the expiring

Patriot Act provisions permanent, and add new safeguards and expiration

dates to the two most controversial parts: roving wiretaps and secret

warrants for books, records and other items from businesses, hospitals

and organizations such as libraries.

 

Feingold, Craig and other critics said that wasn't enough, and have

called for the law to be extended in its present form so they can

continue to try and add more civil liberties safeguards. But Bush,

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and House Speaker Dennis Hastert have

said they won't accept a short-term extension of the law.

 

If a compromise is not reached, the 16 Patriot Act provisions expire on

December 31.

 

When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a

cross.

-Sinclair Lewis

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