Patriot Sunsets Extension Act of 2011

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, in February of this year, I voted to support a three-month extension of the PATRIOT Act provisions in today's underlying legislation in order to give Congress time to build a consensus around necessary, common sense reform. Today, it is with great reluctance that I must stand in opposition to an additional extension of these provisions, as Congress has failed to make reforms to safeguard civil liberties.

This is a missed opportunity. Senators Leahy and Paul offered a bipartisan amendment that included a sunset date for National Security Letters, enhanced oversight of PATRIOT Act authorities, and more focused standards of relevance for business record requests--changes that would provide meaningful improvements to the balance between national security and civil liberties. However, this proposal was not given a vote on the floor of the Senate.

I believe there are important provisions in this bill that should be extended. However, there is also a clear need for improved oversight and privacy protections. We must not be stampeded into continuing to pass bad policy, especially when credible solutions are well within reach. I voted to give Congress time to responsibly reform these provisions. But I cannot in good conscience support a four-year extension that makes no effort to ensure that the authorities under this law are being exercised responsibly.

Mr. Speaker, I have always been prepared to support a balanced PATRIOT Act that defends Americans without eroding our freedom. Unfortunately, S. 990 is not that legislation.

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