Issue Position: The PATRIOT Act

Issue Position

On May 26th, I voted against a bill (S. 990) providing for a four-year reauthorization of three troubling provisions of thePATRIOT Act when it came up for a vote in the House, as I have voted against similar reauthorizations in the past. Unfortunately, the bill passed by 250-153, and has been signed into law. One particularly disturbing provision of the PATRIOT Act that has now been reauthorized is the so-called "library provision" that allows the FBI to acquire records about what books a person checks out from the library. The other two provisions allow roving wiretaps and the collection of information on "lone wolves" who are not connected to terrorist organizations or governments. This reauthorization will last until June 1, 2015. I will continue fighting for substantial reform of the PATRIOT Act. In February, I also voted for an amendment which would prevent the federal government from obtaining a person's library records under the "Library Provision." The amendment was offered during the debate on the Full Year Continuing Appropriations Act for FY 2011 (H.R. 1), which would fund the federal government for the rest of the fiscal year. Despite my support, this amendment did not pass. The final vote was 196 to 231. I am confident that we can keep this country safe while also protecting Americans from unwarranted intrusions of privacy.

Source