WP: Specter, Feinstein Propose Curbs on Patriot Act

[DeepModem Mom]

Senators Propose Curbs on Patriot Act
Specter-Feinstein Bill Would Limit Warrants, Wiretaps in Terror Probes

By Dan Eggen and Charles Babington
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, July 14, 2005; Page A23


Two senior members of the Senate Judiciary Committee introduced legislation yesterday that would lead to more restrictions on the government's powers under the USA Patriot Act, setting the stage for a protracted legislative battle in coming months over the controversial anti-terrorism law.

The proposal by Sens. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) would scale back a law that the administration seeks to keep largely intact. But it also attracted immediate criticism from civil liberties advocates who say it does not adequately rein in the government's activities.

In the House, lawmakers moved forward with legislation that would place far fewer restrictions on the government and would make permanent most, if not all, of the Patriot Act's provisions.

Another bill recently approved by the Senate intelligence committee would expand the government's powers in terrorism investigations, allowing the FBI to conduct secret searches more easily and clandestinely read the mail of targeted suspects....

***

The bill proposed yesterday by Specter and Feinstein would add increased public reporting of how some of the act's powers are used and would place greater restrictions on certain warrants, wiretaps and e-mail monitoring. It would also make three of the most controversial anti-terrorism measures temporary and subject to renewal by Congress....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/13/AR2005071302113.html

[wli]

1. curbs are not enough

The whole thing needs to be repealed.

[Betsy Ross]

2. Nice to hear of something

out of Diane Feinstein, finally. Our senior senator has been totally eclipsed by the most wonderful Barbara Boxer.