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Blumenauer Votes Against Patriot Act Extension

December 13, 2005

Washington, DC - Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) issued the following statement in opposition to extension of the US PATRIOT Act. The U.S House of Representatives approved extension of the legislation earlier today. The Senate must still vote on the measure.

"With the PATRIOT Act set to expire at the end of the year, Congress has once again missed an opportunity to narrow and tighten the legislation.

"I opposed the original PATRIOT Act, as it was rushed into law in the wake of 9/11, and I strongly oppose its extension. The new law tries to appease both sides of the debate by extending sunsets on the two most controversial provisions, library records and "roving" wiretaps, while making 14 of the existing 16 provisions permanent thus limiting Congress' ability to exercise checks and balances. This is a step backwards.

"It puts the administration on too long of a leash and does not force Congress to review and modify the act as needed. We can keep America safe without compromising our civil liberties."