A number of groups of critics have staged campaign against the extension of the PATRIOT Act. Scheduled in February this year, the voting would be the determining factor whether the bill would continue to exist. Two-thirds of the House members ought to vote YES so that the H.R. 514 could run for another period. This move is viewed as fast tracking the method in order to gain positive results.
Contentions have been aired questioning the manner the bill would be extended. One point that was raised was that there had been no major reforms to the older law that would warrant its extension. According to critics, there is no provision for supervision and responsibility. If ever, it is exceedingly weak and would not hold water.
Debates had been completed and proposals were presented last year. Among the areas that have been debated on were on checks and balances. It is said that the recent projected version is full of these provisions. Though, the debates went on for so long that it did not meet the deadline. The first extension was accepted in February last year. There is another proposal to extend it until February of this year. There was a pledge to resolve the concerns before granting an extra 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 projected. The expected amendments would not be carried out since no one is given the chance to present adjustments. The outcome would be the identical PATRIOT as it was a year ago.
It can be supposed that there is something about the bill that raised such a fervent response. For one, the law permits the government to put any person under close watch. Secret court orders can be given under Section 215. With this, access to private data possibly will be granted. Among others, internet, phone and business records can be accessed.
Foreign intelligence wiretaps could be allowed under this law. Anyone can be wiretapped, even those without relationship to any foreign power or terrorist group. Any cell phone number, electronic mail account or other communications facility can be accessed whenever government "feels" there is a need to do so.
The foregoing are provisions of PATRIOT "that must not be renewed". Critics say that there should be important reforms before finally deciding for extension. For one, there should be a debate so that new checks and balances can be incorporated. This will preclude exploitation and accordingly defend civil liberties.
Contentions have been aired questioning the manner the bill would be extended. One point that was raised was that there had been no major reforms to the older law that would warrant its extension. According to critics, there is no provision for supervision and responsibility. If ever, it is exceedingly weak and would not hold water.
Debates had been completed and proposals were presented last year. Among the areas that have been debated on were on checks and balances. It is said that the recent projected version is full of these provisions. Though, the debates went on for so long that it did not meet the deadline. The first extension was accepted in February last year. There is another proposal to extend it until February of this year. There was a pledge to resolve the concerns before granting an extra 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 projected. The expected amendments would not be carried out since no one is given the chance to present adjustments. The outcome would be the identical PATRIOT as it was a year ago.
It can be supposed that there is something about the bill that raised such a fervent response. For one, the law permits the government to put any person under close watch. Secret court orders can be given under Section 215. With this, access to private data possibly will be granted. Among others, internet, phone and business records can be accessed.
Foreign intelligence wiretaps could be allowed under this law. Anyone can be wiretapped, even those without relationship to any foreign power or terrorist group. Any cell phone number, electronic mail account or other communications facility can be accessed whenever government "feels" there is a need to do so.
The foregoing are provisions of PATRIOT "that must not be renewed". Critics say that there should be important reforms before finally deciding for extension. For one, there should be a debate so that new checks and balances can be incorporated. This will preclude exploitation and accordingly defend civil liberties.
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