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View Full Version : Obama stares down Patriot Act criticism




bobbyw24
11-12-2009, 06:09 AM
By Susan Crabtree - 11/12/09 06:00 AM ET

The Obama administration is standing firm in its support of several George W. Bush-era Patriot Act powers in the face of sharp criticism from civil rights groups, liberal Democrats and a Dec. 31 deadline to extend key provisions of the bill.


The Justice Department recently reiterated its request for Congress to extend with few changes key provisions of the Patriot Act: sections that allow roving wiretaps on multiple phones, seizing of business records and a never-used authority to spy on non-Americans suspected of being terrorists even though they have no connection to a recognized terrorist group.


In late October the Justice Department provided a written response to dozens of senators’ detailed questions posed to Attorney General Eric Holder following his June 17 appearance before the Judiciary Committee.


In the 55-page document,

http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/67459-administration-stares-down-patriot-act-criticism