U.S. Senate stalls renewal of Patriot Act

U.S. Senate stalls renewal of Patriot Act

The US Senate blocked the renewal of the Patriot Act in a vote on Friday. Senate Democrats and a few Republicans consider some provisions in the act, a threat to the civil liberties of American citizens.

The stalemate comes as a major jolt to the Bush Administration because the law has been a major tool used in the war against terrorism. The legislation needed 60 votes for its passage but fell short by 8 votes as the actual vote was 52-47. “The senators who are filibustering the Patriot Act must stop their delaying tactics so that we are not without this critical law for even a single moment,” asserted President Bush.

The act came into existence after the September 11 attacks and gives the government power to scrutinize those suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. It has been alleged the government has misused the authority provided by the act.

The provisions of the Patriot Act if not renewed will expire on 31st December this year. The legislation if passed will make permanent 14 provisions and extend for a period of 4 years the remaining three. The democrats demand the renewal of the provisions for three months so that there is enough time to debate over them and incorporate safeguards against misuse.

“None of us wants it to expire, and those who threaten to let it expire rather than fix it are playing a dangerous game,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy, a Democrat from Vermont. But the republicans in favor of the legislation have rejected the demand.

“The president's made it very clear that he is not interested in signing any short-term renewal. The terrorist threats will not expire at the end of this year. They won't expire in three months. We need to move forward and pass this critical legislation.” said White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

In the coming days, the senate may have another vote for the renewal of the act.