Wynn Votes Against PATRIOT Act Reauthorization; Cites Inadequate Congressional Oversight
December 14, 2005
Wynn Votes Against PATRIOT Act Reauthorization; Cites Inadequate Congressional Oversight
Washington, D.C.- Today, Congressman Albert Wynn joined 174 of his colleagues in voting against H.R. 3199, the PATRIOT Act reauthorization bill. Wynn's objection was based on the fact that rather than allowing for continuing Congressional review, the bill made fourteen of its sixteen provisions permanent. In addition, he objected to the omission of language that would have ensured that the distribution of first-responder grants was made available based on risk.
The two most controversial provisions are subject to a four-year Congressional review, also known as a "sunset". One of the provisions places a four-year review on sections that permit roving wiretaps on multiple phones and computers. The other provision expands authority to access business records, including bookstore and library records. Under this specific provision, the government can require the production of business and library records merely by claiming that the records were "relevant" to a terrorism investigation without having to show that the records have some connection to a suspected terrorist or spy.
Congressman Wynn emphasized that his support for the PATRIOT Act in 2001 was predicated on Congress' ability to review the entire measure for abuses after five years and reauthorize the legislation as deemed necessary. Wynn indicated that there have been some instances of abuses of civil liberties, which is precisely why there should be periodic review, and if needed, a modification of the law when civil liberties are violated.
"These well-intended law enforcement tools inevitably infringe on some of our traditional freedoms and notions of privacy. I am pleased that the Conference Committee was able to provide four-year sunsets for some of the provisions regarding individual privacy rights. However, I am extremely concerned about access to personal information without comprehensive judicial review. I am also concerned about the lack of assurance that those areas at greatest risk of a terrorist attack, such as my district, would receive the most money," said Wynn.
http://wynn.house.gov/issues2.cfm?id=11462