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Surveillance powers of Patriot Act extended by House of Representatives
by Joseph Ernest February 15, 2011
Newscast Media -- Members of The House of Representatives have agreed to extend some of surveillance powers granted by the 2001 Patriot Act after the 9/11 attacks in a 275-144 vote. The ACT will extend until December provisions on wiretaps, access to business records and surveillance of terror suspects.
The matter now goes to the Senate for its consideration. The provisions are set to expire on 28 February. Former President George W. Bush introduced the Patriot Act after the September 11, attacks.
Mr Bush and other supporters argued that the legal safeguards traditionally granted to criminal suspects left the US ill-protected against further attacks. Critics say the broad powers the act grants US law enforcement agencies violate Americans' privacy.
"I believe the American people have a legitimate fear of out-of-control government," said Republican Dana Rohrabacher, one of 27 from his party to vote against the bill on Monday.
"And yes, they have a legitimate fear of out-of-control prosecutors and out-of-control spy networks," he asserted.
The provisions covered under the bill give the US government the authority for "roving surveillance" of suspects who might be able to thwart investigative methods that ordinarily require a judge's warrant.
They also give federal investigators access to business records with a warrant from a secret national security court and grant federal law enforcement greater power to watch foreign so-called "lone wolf" terror suspects.
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