Patriot Act More Important Than Ever

REPORT FROM CONGRESS
By Congressman Roger F. Wicker

WICKER: PATRIOT ACT MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
Even as U. S. law enforcement and intelligence officials continue to rely on the USA Patriot Act in our struggle against terrorism, critics of the Act are keeping up a steady drumbeat of accusations that it is a threat to individual liberties. A close look at the facts refutes the allegations and, more important, shows that the law has proved its effectiveness in the war on terror.

The Patriot Act won overwhelming approval in both Houses of Congress. The measure has made it easier for federal authorities to track terrorists, break up their cells and networks, seize assets, and share more information with law enforcement agencies.

REMOVING BARRIERS
The law removed the barrier that prevented intelligence agencies and law enforcement authorities from communicating effectively with one another. It updated decades-old statutes to allow use of the newest technology to identify and locate terrorists before they strike. It also toughened penalties for terrorist-related crimes and added terrorist offenses to the list of crimes permitting pre-trial detention.

Some civil libertarians and other Bush Administration critics have objected to the Patriot Act, saying it contains sweeping new government powers that could trample individual rights. Those fears have not materialized. Among the misconceptions:

Myth #1: A provision allowing delayed notification of search warrants "expands the government's ability to search private property without notice to the owner." The reality: Such warrants have been used effectively for years against organized crime, drug dealers, and child pornographers. They are granted only after authorities obtain a court order. As part of the Patriot Act, the practice has been important in detecting and apprehending terrorists before they can strike.

Myth #2: "Library reading habits could become the target of government surveillance. Secrecy surrounding this provision could allow 'the thought police' to target us for what we read or what website we visit." The reality: The library reading habits of ordinary Americans are of no relevance in a terrorism investigation, but terrorists and spies have used public libraries to plot illegal activities. In a recent case, bookstore records were obtained showing that a suspect purchased a book detailing how to build a unique detonator that had been used in several bombings. This was important evidence identifying the suspect as the bomber. Again, such records can be obtained only after securing a court order.

Myth #3: Roving wiretaps "are authorized secretly and represent a broad expansion of power without the necessary privacy protections." The reality: The practice of approving wiretaps for a particular suspect instead of a particular communication device has been used by law enforcement to monitor drug suspects for nearly 20 years. This provision allows the same technique to be used to follow terrorists who are trained to change cell phones often. Federal courts have ruled repeatedly that this law enforcement tool is not a violation of privacy.

President Bush has asked Congress to renew parts of the USA Patriot Act that are set to expire in 2005. I share his belief in the effectiveness of this new law. It has been instrumental in strengthening our fight against terrorism while protecting individual liberties. We need this powerful asset now more than ever.