House Extends Patriot Act

WASHINGTON — A modified version of the USA Patriot Act passed the House of Representatives Dec. 14, with 44 Democrats joining 207 Republicans in a vote to extend the controversial anti-terrorist bill past its Dec. 31 expiration date.

The move brings the Patriot Act extension to the Senate, where, despite the possibility of a Democratic filibuster, few believe it will fail to pass.

Although the Patriot Act met with overwhelming approval when it was first enacted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a sizeable number of politicians on the Hill have since expressed regret that it was passed so quickly.

Designed to expand government's surveillance and prosecutorial powers against terrorists, the controversial law has stirred vigorous debate among free speech and privacy advocates who argue it goes too far.

Now, a bipartisan group of senators have joined in the Senate to demand the Patriot Act be reevaluated before an extension is granted.

“If we enact the bill as written, a little bit of the liberty tree will have died,” Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., said during a news conference late Dec. 13.

McGovern and about a dozen other Republican and Democratic senators have said the Patriot Act bestows too much power to the government, especially when it comes to investigating private transactions, bank records, library use and medical or computer records.

Regardless of dissenting opinion in the Senate, some of the most controversial aspects of the Patriot Act show no signs of being cut. These would include existing legislation that authorizes roving wiretaps and permits secret warrants for books, records and other items from businesses, hospitals and organizations such as libraries, all of which are expected to remain part of the Patriot Act for the next four years.

The only significant amendments to the Patriot Act since its passing came last July, when the House adopted provisions that require federal agencies to report to Congress on their data mining activities; require the FBI director to personally authorize demands to libraries for the release of business records; and give people served with national security demand letters the right to consult with counsel and challenge the letters in court.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More