Wednesday, February 9, 2011

No Patriot Act Renewal For Now

House Fails to Extend Parts of Patriot Act in Surprise Vote -- Voice of America

The U.S. House of Representatives has failed to approve an extension of expiring parts of the USA Patriot Act late Tuesday. In a vote that surprised analysts, a number of Republicans supported by the Tea Party voted with a number of Democrats to block the two-thirds majority needed for extension.

The Patriot Act was first passed with broad bipartisan support in 2001, in response to the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. The law makes it easier for federal authorities to conduct surveillance, including wiretapping of terrorist suspects. Civil libertarians have long fought the act, and some critics say the government has abused its powers by using the law in cases not related to terrorism.

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More News On The House failing To Pass An Extension Of the Patriot Act

House defeats bill extending Patriot Act provisions until December -- CNN
Patriot Act extension fails in the House by seven votes -- Washington Post
House GOP fumbles on Patriot Act renewal -- L.A. Times
Patriot Act falls at first hurdle -- Al Jazeera
House GOP Leaders Blindsided By Patriot Act Defeat -- NPR
Democrats jab Republicans over Patriot Act vote -- Politico
After defeat on Patriot Act, Boehner says GOP 'not perfect every day' -- The Hill
House Rejects Patriot Act Extension -- Neon Tommy
Opposing The Patriot Act -- Daily Dish/The Atlantic

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