WP: Senate Panel Set to Debate Patriot Act

[DeepModem Mom]

Senate Panel Set to Debate Patriot Act
By Dan Eggen
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 24, 2005; Page A15


The long political battle over the USA Patriot Act will enter a new phase this week as the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence debates whether to approve a bill that not only would renew the anti-terrorism law, but also would give the FBI significant new powers in conducting counterterrorism and counterintelligence investigations.

Legislation proposed by committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) would allow the FBI to subpoena records in intelligence probes without the approval of a judge or grand jury and would make it easier for the bureau to get copies of mail, according to committee aides and a draft copy of the bill.

Civil liberties groups vowed yesterday to fight the proposals, arguing that they pose significant threats to individual privacy rights and that the government's anti-terrorism powers need to be pared.

James Dempsey, executive director of the Center for Democracy and Technology, said in a conference call with reporters that the bill would give the FBI new powers that have been "long sought, and rejected" by Congress because of civil liberties concerns.

Representatives from both sides of the debate are slated to testify before the committee today, although aides said the ongoing Senate battle over judicial filibusters could force a postponement. The intelligence committee has also scheduled a closed-door markup session on Roberts's proposal Thursday -- prompting further objections from critics who say the process should be held in public....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/05/23/AR2005052301550.html

[LightningFlash]

1. Pat Roberts.....

How does it feel to realize the only ones who end up agreeing with the radical amendments in the patriot act, are the "President" and his lackies?

Republicans seem to be even opposing some of the patriot act revisions already instilled. Pat Roberts name seems more synomonous with Pat Roberson...

[hang a left]

2. kick