"President Bush Friday signed legislation extending key provisions of the anti-terrorism USA Patriot Act until February 3, despite earlier objecting to anything short of a permanent renewal."
"He also signed a $453.3 billion defense spending bill that included a measure banning cruel and inhumane treatment of prisoners, the White House said."
"Bush had initially threatened to veto legislation that contained that provision, but backed off after congressional votes showed overwhelming support for the amendment pushed by Sen.
John McCain, an Arizona Republican who was a former prisoner of war in the Vietnam conflict."
"On the Patriot Act, Bush had strongly pushed for a permanent renewal, but Congress passed a temporary extension to allow more time to consider civil liberties protections."
"The Patriot Act was a response to the September 11 attacks and expanded the authority of the federal government to conduct secret searches, obtain private records, intercept telephone calls, among other activities, to hunt for suspected terrorists."
"The debate over whether some of the provisions infringe too much on civil liberties became more heated after the revelation that Bush authorized the National Security Agency to conduct a domestic eavesdropping operation on Americans with suspected terrorism ties without seeking court approval."
"Among the civil liberties being debated in Congress are rules for "roving" wiretaps of suspects who use multiple telephones and court orders for records for businesses, libraries, bookstores and even personal medical records."
- CNN.com
My Comments: A one month extension. It's sort of a victory for both parties. The Patriot Act wasn't held up in the Senate, which is good for Republicans; yet it was onlu renewed for one month, a victory for Democrats.
The Democrats would never approve a permanent renewal of the Patriot Act, as it is now. Now they have a month to sort out the issues, without letting it expire. We'll just have to wait and see if one month will be long enough to come to an agreement.
I can't believe that the White House was against the "no torture" bill. Come to think of it, I can't believe we NEED a bill to ban torture!
-Adam
1 comment:
Opportuity knocks! Oviously this log is designed to build yourself up in the eyes of the party machine. Of course these politcal parties are nothing but a distraction to keep the stupid electorate at each others throats. Why do you not look into, or mention Able Danger? If you would say something of serious import, that would put both parties on the hot seat, you would gain credibility. Obviously this divide the people scheme is the intent.
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