NationStates Jolt Archive

December 16, 2005, 1:58 PM EST

WASHINGTON -- The Senate on Friday refused to reauthorize major portions of the USA Patriot Act after critics complained they infringed 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 filibuster by Sens. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., 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.

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/nation/ny-uspatr1217,0,5251227.story?coll=ny-top-headlines

there is already a thread on this.

That's the third time today. That Patriot Act is sure resilient.

But it faded quickly into the oblivion that is page three or four.

That's the third time today. That Patriot Act is sure resilient.
If we beat it hard and often enough, it may finally die. Then, maybe, we can watch Congress enact something that is useful and within the Bill of Rights.

If we beat it hard and often enough, it may finally die. Then, maybe, we can watch Congress enact something that is useful and within the Bill of Rights.

assuming we're still alive to enjoy the Bill of Rights...

assuming we're still alive to enjoy the Bill of Rights...
Worst thing I heard lately was Tommy Franks on the Sean Hannity radio show. He was unhappy that the bill failed and said something like 'in a time of war, we need to worry a little less about civil liberties...'

Wrong.

We need to guarantee civil liberties. Period. There is surely a solution that allows law enforcement to get what they need, like a wiretap that follows a person, rather than a telephone, without the need for secret warrants and searches.