House Votes to Extend Patriot Act

[Zorra]

By GLEN JOHNSON, Associated Press Writer
1 minute ago

WASHINGTON - The House voted overwhelmingly Thursday to extend the USA Patriot Act, the nation's main anti-terrorism tool, just hours after televisions in the Capitol beamed images of a new attack in London.

As similar legislation worked its way through the Senate, House Republicans generally cast the law as a valuable asset in the war on terror. Most Democrats echoed that support but said they were concerned the law could allow citizens' civil liberties to be infringed. Following more than hours of debate, the House approved the measure 257-171.

The bulk of the back-and-forth centered on language making permanent 14 of 16 provisions that had four-year sunset, or expiration, provisions under the original law, which Congress passed overwhelmingly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

The bill also proposed 10-year extensions to the two other provisions set to expire on Dec. 31, one allowing roving wiretaps and another allowing searches of library and medical records. They were the focus of most of the controversy as members plowed through the main legislation and 18 amendments.

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=514&e=2&u=/ap/20050722/ap_on_go_co/patriot_act

And the Founders of our democracy weep and roll over in their graves and curse republicans for destroying the noble idea of American Democracy and freedom.

To republicans everywhere: Fuck you, you fascist traitors.

[Fire Walk With Me]

1. Oosh.. That's the sound I made upon reading this post..

Few things drag spontaneous sounds out of me like BushCo. (Can't add the doppler of my rapidly shaking head in text form, though.)

[Newsjock]

2. And the giant middle finger goes ...

... to the spineless Democrats who refused to stand on principle against this travesty.

[knowbody0]

3. 77 voted against

[ElsewheresDaughter]

12. ?

[TahitiNut]

26. 156 of 202 voted No

There seem to be only 156 liberals left in the House.

[knowbody0]

29. i tuned out when it was 77 to 187

sigh

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. Damnit to hell!!!!!!!!!!

:evilfrown:

[IndianaGreen]

5. They are the enemies of freedom!

All those that voted for this bill are the enemies of freedom. They are more of a threat to us than Osama bin Forgotten, and they are as cowardly as those Germans that gave Hitler dictatorial powers.

I remind our fellow DUers that the GOP has the Victory Act waiting in the wings. This is an expansion of PATRIOT!

Let's hope that this travesty gets sidetracked by a filibuster in the Senate.

[liveoaktx]

6. Roll Call

http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2005/roll414.xml

[HockeyMom]

7. My Rep voted against it,

Tim Bishop (D), as did the rest of the LI contingent, except for, of course, "old faithful" Peter King (R).

[WCGreen]

23. At least I know Dennis voted no

As did Sherrod Brown and Marcy Kaptur.....

Three solid dems from the red state of Ohio......

[Toucano]

34. Don't forget Stephanie!

She voted against it, too.

On Edit:

And Strickland.

[WCGreen]

41. I alwyas forget Stephanie......

She is such a reliable vote.....

And Ted, he's running for gov....

[Pacifist Patriot]

48. Fourteen Republicans voted against it.

I'm curious about them.

[dejaboutique]

59. i thought the same thing

I am going to look into those republicans...very interesting.

[Zorra]

8. Democrats author 70-page dissent on Patriot Act reauthorization

http://rawstory.com/news/2005/democrats_dissent_patriot_act_721

Re-posted to make it crystal clear to Freepers that the Democratic Party is the party that favors smaller, less intrusive government.

[goforit]

9. Right after the Loundon Bombings.....how convenient ROVE!!!

[TankLV]

16. And another in a continuing string of amazing cooincidences!

But it would be awful for anyone to even suggest that somehow bushco had a hand in the London bombings to create just the "right" environment, right?!

Perrish the very idea!

Wacko conspriacy crowd.

[OfireitupO]

22. Just like the anthrax letters

That pushed Congress into passing the patriot act, now we have the terror attacks to push Congress to keep the patriot act forever.

Coincidence or not?

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050722/D8BG64G80.html

[ElsewheresDaughter]

10. here is a list of the dems who voted for the Patriot Act AGAIN!!!

Here are the dems that voted aye….let them hear our outrage

Andrews
Baca
Barrow
Bean
Bishop (GA)
Boren
Boswell
Butterfield
Cardin
Carnahan
Case
Chandler
Clyburn
Cooper
Cramer
Davis (AL)
Davis (FL)
Davis (TN)
Edwards
Emanuel
Etheridge
Gordon
Green, Gene
Harman (bitch)
Herseth
Higgins
Holden
Hoyer
Lipinski
Marshall
McIntyre
Melancon
Menendez
Miller (NC)
Ortiz
Pomeroy
Reyes
Ross
Ruppersberger
Schwartz (PA)
Scott (GA)
Skelton
Spratt


not voting
Hastings (FL)
Hinojosa
Taylor (MS)

[bluestateguy]

15. A least this time a majority voted no

That was not the case in 2001. I still predominantly hold Republicans to blame for this package of bad laws.

[Zorra]

18. Yes. Republicans are overwhelmingly responsible for this.

But shame on the Dems that once again betrayed the people of the US by selling out to the fascists.

[RUMMYisFROSTED]

52. They changed Cali's 36th to "bitch?"

Seems perfectly reasonable, upon reflection.

[hippywife]

56. Boren may say he's a Dem

but he's not.

[liveoaktx]

11. I've had it with Democrats that vote Republican

No DLC, No Blue Dogs, no Repub-lite. Not voting for my rep again next time, what's the point?

[Zomby Woof]

13. Huzzah, DK!

And I am literally shocked that DINO Adam Smith of WA state, who was my representative when I left two years ago, actually voted NO. :faint:

[Rainscents]

17. LOL... He knows he lives in Blue state! He might be toasted in '06.

[Zorra]

19. I believe Ohio is actually a red state. And Kucinich is a big time hero

in his district.

[Zomby Woof]

31. He was talking about Smith from WA

(But since I did mention DK first, I can see how you interpreted that) :-)

[Zorra]

54. Whoops, my bad - - duh!

Apologies, Rainscents.
:blush:

:hi:

[eridani]

21. No surprise about Smith

Progressives have been riding his ass hard since his re-election, and have also turned him on CAFTA and the bankruptcy bill. He even invites progressives to a monthly discussion.

[Zomby Woof]

25. Holy crap!

WOW! I left 2 years ago, and missed the fun there, lol. WOW.

If we could only do the same for other DINO's...

I always felt Smith was conservative because of the blue-collar Boeing constituency, god and guns people, etc... but stranger things have happened.

[eridani]

28. He's no Jim McDermott

But I think he's come a long way. Arguing directly with him is like talking to Mr. Spock. Keep it logical and answer his points, and you can get somewhere. Progressives aren't going to win all the time with him, but enough so that he really doesn't deserve to be high up on the progressive hit list when we get further with our progressive candidate farm team project at lower levels.

[hippywife]

57. Ditto that huzzah! for DK

He's been all over this from the beginning! I wouldn't doubt one single bit if he was one of the only people to actually read this piece of shit legislation the first time. The man is just that thorough.

[bluestateguy]

14. They'll change their tune

When a Democrat is president and starts using this law to spy on the Heritage Foundation, the AEI and the PNAC. Or to install wiretaps on Ann Coulter's phone, or to send undercover agents into anti-abortion organizations, or to conduct tax audits of conservative radio talk show hosts.

Hate to be blunt, but that is what it will take to get Republicans to change their tune.

At least this time a majority of House Democrats voted no, about 70%. That is a reversal from 2001.

[tuvor]

20. Kick. n/t

[wli]

24. pure fascism

Need to get this repealed if/when we can get a democratic Congress.

[hunter]

27. My rep voted no.

Those who voted yes are suffering the effects of their self-imposed anal probes. It's a dark, dark world when you've got your head that far up your ass.

[lovuian]

30. This is the crime to the Constitution They have sold their souls

Republican party is a Communist Party this is stuff Communism did

Why have a Bill of rights anymore!!!

[ngGale]

32. OMG -

The roving wiretap provision, Section 206, allows investigators to obtain warrants to intercept a suspect's phone conversations or Internet traffic without limiting it to a specific phone or identifying the suspect. The records provision, Section 215, authorizes federal officials to obtain "tangible items" such as business, library and medical records.

Advocates argued that such powers already exist in criminal investigations so they should be expressly continued for terrorism investigations. They also cited safeguards in the bill, such as a requirement that a judge approve the records search.
################

They have all our medical records, phone, library, business and our precious internet. Of course we know they won't tap into us, because we are free people - not terrorists. :sarcasm: Oh, we are protected because a judge has to approve a records search. Yep, for sure - a judge whom they have appointed for us. :nuke:

[kypper]

33. I've honestly given up

Democrats, Republicans... they're all CEOs, and they're all out to gain power and money. Fuck every last one of them.

Americans keep electing people whose primary interest cannot be those people. Americans reelected the biggest jackass since Nixon.

Until people:
a) Demand no corporate connections, including running the goddamned things; and
b) stop trying to elect an average joe (NEWSFLASH! YOU DON'T WANT BUBBA DOWN THE STREET RUNNING YOUR COUNTRY. you WANT someone smarter than you, else you'd fucking run!)

nothing will improve.

[StrafingMoose]

39. That's because it seems...

the establishement puts the option on the table, it also chooses the table.

"Americans keep electing people whose primary interest cannot be those people. Americans reelected the biggest jackass since Nixon."

Well, at least Nixon was nothing of a puppet like Bush Jr. (more like a Stalin ironfist). For was its worth...

[andyhappy]

45. its fear...

these democrats voted for the patriot act so the right can't say they are soft on defense, soft on terror.

freaking idiots! I am so sick of 'our side' being a bunch of spineless wussies.

How did everything get so fucked up!

[Toucano]

35. The 43 Dems who voted "yes"

better plan on primary challenges next year.

Wouldn't it be nice if the minority party were actually an opposition party?

Damn!

[Freddie Stubbs]

38. Jim Davis of Florida is not running for reelection

He is running for Governor: http://www.jimdavis2006.com

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

36. ARRGGHH!

The Patriot Act is a bad, bad law!!!!
I can't believe they did this........................
:argh:

[Pewlett Hackard]

37. and yet

we sanction Cuba? WTF?

[area51]

60. Welcome.

Welcome to DU, Pewlett Hackard.

[LoneDriver]

40. Why this is totally necessary.

:sarcasm: Look at London, after all. :sarcasm:

[TNOE]

42. Yeah right

like this Patriot Act is going to do one damn thing to keep the pansy ass pantie wastes Republicans any safer. I wish all these Republican cowards would get up off their knees and stop screwing all the rest of us because they want a "daddy figure" or security.

Who was it that said people who are willing to give up freedoms for security deserve NEITHER! These laws aren't to protect us from some terrorist - but to protect the govenment from us! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!
Grow some spine, grow sone backbone and quit being scared to damn death!!!! GROW UP!

[Daphne08]

61. It was Benjamin Franklin.

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
~ Benjamin Franklin

[democrat_patriot]

43. This is why 2006 is so important.

Vote these fascists out!

[andyhappy]

44. have they caught any 'terrorists' using the patriot act?

seriously...has it helped 'the war on terror' one bit...or does it just take away our rights?

sheesh!

[Sam_Lowry]

46. Cynical answer=Yes and yes

Yes, it helps immensely in the war on terror, if you accept the defintion of "terror" that those in power use:

Terror = the haunting and abiding fear that those you rule over will learn the truth, namely that you rule for yourself and not your constituents, and still don't do it worth a damn, and throw your sorry ass out of office.

And Yes, it does take away our rights. Well, the rights of the masses of poor folks who don't have the money for good legal counsel. The wealthy needn't worry. Unless they're democrats of course

:rant:

[Roland99]

47. If only 51% of those Dems had voted No, it would have been rejected.

[Pacifist Patriot]

49. AAAGGGHHHH!!!!! It's times like these I am beyond frustrated that...

I am not in a position to run for Congress. #$%^%$#&&*&%%$!

[Moderator]

50. Kick

[Coastie for Truth]

51. My Rep, Zoe Lofgren, voted against it --

Yesterday, the House voted on HR 3199, the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Act. Though I voted against it, the Act which reauthorizes 16 sections of the original PATRIOT Act passed 257-171.

The PATRIOT Act was passed 4 years ago with 16 of the provisions set to sunset in September this year. This was done to ensure proper Congressional review. Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee promised rigorous oversight of the provisions but in reality fell well short of their pledge. During the 12 hour markup we had on the bill in the Judiciary Committee, Chairman Sensenbrenner admitted that it had been difficult to get important leaders there to testify as to the provisions in question. Even the Attorney General has stated that information on its use of the Patriot Act was not given to Congress in a timely matter.

While the House deliberated last night, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted with bipartisan unanimity to add amendments to protect civil liberties. Unfortunately, House Republicans refused to even permit the provisions to be voted on. It is possible that the final legislation, after the Senate and House reconcile the separate versions, will be an improvement over the current bill. I will be closely following the progress of the legislation.

I will do all that I can to continue to fight terrorism and make the United States safe for our families. Next week the House will have a full agenda before adjourning for the annual August recess. I look forward to seeing you in San Jose.



Sincerely,
Zoe Lofgren

Our local leader of the California Congressional delegation, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, has scheduled her annual barbecue for Sunday, August 7th. This BBQ is a fundraiser for this critical time where we Democrats MUST take back our government. Zoe's seat is certainly secure, but her funds will go to help other Democratic candidates whose elections are far from assured.

She needs our help, yours and mine!

IThe Club has tickets for her BBQ, which is always very interesting. Zoe will be there at San José's History Park (itself a very interesting place) with many other elected officials for you to meet and talk to. More details are shown below.

SAVE THIS DATE FOR SCCDC PICNIC - August 28, 2005
Don't forget to save this date - Sunday afternoon, August 28, 2005 - for our annual SCCDC summer picnic at Vasona Lake County Park. More details coming soon!

[katty]

53. WH is happy now-they'll all be laughing at their bohemian grove

retreat this summer--heheheheh, we scared the pants of everyone!! the sheeple just baaahhhhh and do what we say.

[Dover]

55. Zero Hour Minue One (from ACLU)

Friday, July 22. 2005

This morning, the news is all about last night's House vote on Patriot Act reauthorization. Lawmakers voted 257-171 to make permanent 14 of the expiring provisions, and to extend two others for an additional decade…which is a very long time.

The news, unfortunately, is not about the Senate Judiciary Committee’s legislation, which passed unanimously in committee yesterday and is a sight better than what the House came up with (more on that later).

Unfortunately, the media environment could not be worse for the House to be considering legislation with such potentially dire consequences.

Airwave oxygen is being sucked away by not one, not two, but three major news stories: the Roberts nomination, the attacks in London and the continuing flap over the Roveian Slip at the White House. And it doesn’t look like the last one is going to Plame out any time soon (okay, sorry, I couldn’t resist).

Still, on Wednesday, USA Today ran a great editorial (alongside a pro-Patriot Act piece): “Congress has the antidote to prevent such abuse. It can fix the law's problems and ensure its most controversial provisions will have to be reviewed again soon.”

The San Francisco Chronicle notes Orange County Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher’s impassioned speech in favor of including new four year sunsets on all of the expiring provisions. “These powers were not to be permanent,'' he said. "They were to help us win the war, not become permanent.” The Boston Globe notes the political dynamic: ''There's plenty of room to make agreements,” says Rep. Michael Capuano, D-Mass. “But they don't want people like me to vote for it. The whole approach is totally political...cont'd

http://blog.reformthepatriotact.org/

[ooglymoogly]

58. who were the 43 dem traitors who voted for this travesty?

we need to put them on wanted posters to be sure we oppose them in the next election.