ShareHave more to add? News tip? Tell us
WASHINGTON — Defying the Obama administration, the House Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to remove from the USA Patriot Act a tool for tracking foreigners in anti-terrorism investigations.
The committee, dominated by liberal Democrats, also voted to amend the law to curb the government’s surveillance and seizure powers.The bill went to the full House on a 16-10 party-line vote. GOP lawmakers said the legislation would hinder law enforcement and intelligence agencies in fighting terrorism.The legislation would allow the Patriot Act’s never-used "lone wolf" section to expire at the end of the year. The provision permits the government to spy on noncitizens even when they’re not linked to a recognized terrorist group.The Justice Department has asked that the "lone wolf" authority be continued, even though it hasn’t been needed. Patriot Act revisions before the Senate would retain the tool, but the House Democrats said normal criminal investigative tools could be used instead.Three sections of the Patriot Act expire at year’s end, giving lawmakers the opportunity to amend the law.Congressional liberals believe that the act tilts too far in favor of law enforcement and intelligence agencies while failing to protect Americans’ privacy against government snooping and seizures.The bill before the Senate, approved by that chamber’s Judiciary Committee, would make it easier than the House legislation for authorities to obtain tangible items, including business and library records, and conduct wiretaps.The House bill would also place restrictions on national security letters, which are FBI demands for information that do not need a judge’s approval.
@Nyx.CommentBody@