The Remaking Of The PATRIOT Act

Several groups of critics have staged campaign against the extension of the PATRIOT Act. Scheduled in February this year, the voting would be the deciding factor whether the bill would continue to exist. Two-thirds of the House members should vote YES so that the H.R. 514 could run for another period. This move is seen as fast tracking the process in order to gain positive results.

Critics are questioning the manner in which the bill is being pushed. It appears that there is no significant difference between the old and new bills. Before the law should merit extension, there should be changes that would strengthen the provisions. As is, there are no oversight and accountability measures that are incorporated in the bill.

Debates were done and proposals were presented last year. Among the areas that were debated on were on checks and balances. It is said that the new proposed version is full of these provisions. However, the debates went on for so long that it did not meet the deadline. The first extension was approved in February last year. There is another proposal to extend it until February of this year. There was a promise to resolve the issues before granting another extension.

The apprehension with the impending extension is that no debates are possible. Given until December 8, 2011 to extend, there is no genuine reform that could be expected. The expected amendments would not be carried out because no one is given the opportunity to present changes. The result would be the same PATRIOT as it was a year ago.

It can be presumed that there is something about the bill that raised such reaction. For one, the law allows the government to place anybody under surveillance. Secret court orders can be given under Section 215. With this, access to private data could be granted. These include internet, phone and business records.

Under this law, foreign intelligence wiretaps could be allowed. Anybody, even those without connection to any foreign power or terrorist group, could be tapped. Whenever government “feels” there is a need to do so, any phone number, email account or other communications facility can be accessed.

Those were the provisions that critics say should not be included in the renewal. In order for it to be meaningful, genuine reforms should be done. Weak points should be eliminated, and more checks and balances should be included. This could be done if debates are allowed. This is the only way to ensure that civil liberties are protected.

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