Patriot Act up for renewal

GOP Seeks Quick Passage of New Patriot Act - Yahoo! News: "Rep. James Sensenbrenner, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, issued a statement saying the measure would aid 'in the detection, disruption and dismantling of terrorist cells before they strike.'
Key provisions cover the ability of law enforcement officials to gain access to a wealth of personal data, including library and medical records, as part of investigations into suspected terrorist activity.
The measure provides a four-year extension of the government's ability to conduct roving wiretaps -- which may involve multiple phones -- and to seek access to many of the personal records covered by the bill.
Also extended for four years is the power to wiretap 'lone wolf' terrorists who may operate on their own, without control from a foreign agent or power. An earlier, pre-Thanksgiving stab at compromise had called for seven-year extensions of these provisions.
Yet another provision, which applies to all criminal cases, gives the government 30 days to provide notice that it has carried out a search warrant."

Technorati Tags: Terrorism, Torture, US Administration