11:09 AM
Kinsz
Several groups of opponents have staged battle opposed to the extension of the PATRIOT Act. The voting would be the deciding factor whether or not the bill would continue to stay alive. Two-thirds of the House members ought to vote YES so that H.R. 514 could run for another period. This move is viewed as fast tracking the process in order to win positive results. The voting is scheduled this February.
Contentions have been aired questioning the manner the bill would be extended. One point that was raised was that there were no noteworthy reforms to the previous law that would merit its extension. According to critics, there is no provision for oversight and accountability. If ever, it is incredibly weak and would not hold water.
Debates had been completed and proposals were presented last year. Amongst the areas that have been debated on were on checks and balances. It is said that the recent proposed version is full of these provisions. However, the debates went on for so long that it did not meet the deadline. The first extension was accepted in February last year. There is a new proposal to continue it until February of this year. There was a promise to resolve the issues before granting an additional extension.
Another renewal is about to be proposed as February 2011 starts. This means that there would be no PATRIOT reforms that would transpire. The proposal is to extend the bill's life until December 8, 2011. However, as what previously happened, there would still be no discussion. As expected, nobody could have the opportunity to offer amendments to improve the bill.
What looks so "scary" about the bill? Well, it is said that innocent citizens could be subjected under observation. Section 215 of the bill empowers the government to acquire covert court orders. This can be used to access confidential data such as internet, phone and company records.
The administration could also be permitted to allow foreign intelligence wiretaps. This can be used against those people who have no connection to any overseas power or terrorist group. Still, government has the power to tap any telephone number, electronic mail account or other communications facility of any suspected individual.
Critics say those are the provisions that must not be incorporated in the renewal. Genuine reforms should be done in order for it to be meaningful. Further checks and balances should be included; weak points must be removed. This could be done if debates are allowed. This is the only way to make sure that civil liberties are upheld.
Contentions have been aired questioning the manner the bill would be extended. One point that was raised was that there were no noteworthy reforms to the previous law that would merit its extension. According to critics, there is no provision for oversight and accountability. If ever, it is incredibly weak and would not hold water.
Debates had been completed and proposals were presented last year. Amongst the areas that have been debated on were on checks and balances. It is said that the recent proposed version is full of these provisions. However, the debates went on for so long that it did not meet the deadline. The first extension was accepted in February last year. There is a new proposal to continue it until February of this year. There was a promise to resolve the issues before granting an additional extension.
Another renewal is about to be proposed as February 2011 starts. This means that there would be no PATRIOT reforms that would transpire. The proposal is to extend the bill's life until December 8, 2011. However, as what previously happened, there would still be no discussion. As expected, nobody could have the opportunity to offer amendments to improve the bill.
What looks so "scary" about the bill? Well, it is said that innocent citizens could be subjected under observation. Section 215 of the bill empowers the government to acquire covert court orders. This can be used to access confidential data such as internet, phone and company records.
The administration could also be permitted to allow foreign intelligence wiretaps. This can be used against those people who have no connection to any overseas power or terrorist group. Still, government has the power to tap any telephone number, electronic mail account or other communications facility of any suspected individual.
Critics say those are the provisions that must not be incorporated in the renewal. Genuine reforms should be done in order for it to be meaningful. Further checks and balances should be included; weak points must be removed. This could be done if debates are allowed. This is the only way to make sure that civil liberties are upheld.
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