Senate Republicans reached a deal with the White House on Thursday that would likely clear the way for renewing the USA Patriot Act. Some Democrats were quick to portray the deal as failing to address civil liberties concerns adequately. Perhaps it is, as Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the Democratic leader, said "a step in the right direction." But it leaves much to be desired from a civil rights perspective.
The most vocal opponent to the compromise, Senator Russ Feingold (Dem-Wisc) said the Republican proposal had only had "minor changes" that do "not address the major problems with the Patriot Act." He called the Republican-backed version a "one-sided 'deal'" and "unacceptable."
Once again, concerns were brushed aside as issues which could be worked on over the long term. In other words, why solve problems today that are easier put off for tomorrow?
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Patriot Act Compromise Clears Way for Senate Vote
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