Sens. Cornyn, Kyl Push For PATRIOT Act Extension

Press Release

Introduce legislation to permanently reauthorize three provisions set to expire this year

U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Jon Kyl, both members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Republican leadership, today introduced legislation to renew several key components of the PATRIOT Act and address other national security needs. The USA PATRIOT Reauthorization and Additional Weapons Against Terrorism Act of 2009 removes the sunset for the business record and roving wiretap provisions, as well as the "lone wolf" provision, an important gap-filling authority that may be needed in the future. The Department of Justice strongly supports the renewal of all three of these measures.

"Recent events around the country, including my home state of Texas, remind us just how real a threat terrorists pose to our national security. Since 2001, the PATRIOT Act has provided our nation's law enforcement - who have worked so diligently with our intelligence community - the tools they need to protect the American people from another terrorist attack. Reauthorizing key components of the PATRIOT Act will allow them to continue their important mission. I'm pleased to join Sen. Kyl in this effort. Keeping our nation safe from another terrorist attack is a top priority, so it is imperative we pass this legislation before these critical measures expire at the end of this year," said Sen. Cornyn.

"One of the most important changes that we made in the wake of September 11 was the enactment of the PATRIOT Act. Although many of its provisions are now permanent, three critical national security tools will expire at the end of this year unless Congress acts. The reality is that the war on terrorism is not going to sunset; neither should the tools that our investigators and analysts rely upon to prevent attack. That is why I am pleased to introduce this important legislation with Senator Cornyn," said Sen. Kyl.

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