House Fails To Extend Patriot Act

Two dozen Republicans went against their own party to vote against extending the Patriot Act. The measure required a 2/3 majority and failed 277-148.

The Patriot Act has long been an issue that has not divided neatly along party lines. Former Wisconsin Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold was the only senator to originally vote against the measure in 2001 and was among the law’s most outspoken opponents. But as portions of the law have come up for reauthorization over the years, its opponents have often included both Republican and Democratic members.

Tea Partiers like Rand Paul in the Senate have expressed their doubts about renewing the law.

In addition to the House legislation, the Senate is considering three competing timelines, including proposals that would permanently extend the three provisions (discussed here) or extend them through 2013. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) and Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), both of whom have introduced competing proposals, said Monday that committee members continue to work toward an agreement but declined to speculate as to the end result.

By: Alan

Alan Colmes is the publisher of Liberaland.