Several groups of critics have staged campaign against the extension of the PATRIOT Act. Scheduled in February this year, the voting would be the determining factor whether or not the bill would continue to exist. Two-thirds of the House members must vote YES so that the H.R. 514 can run for another period. This move is viewed as fast tracking the process in order to gain definite results.
Contentions were aired questioning the way the bill would be extended. One point that was raised was that there were no major reforms to the previous law that would deserve its extension. According to critics, there is no provision for oversight and accountability. If ever, it is exceedingly weak and would not hold water.
Last year yet, the bill was proposed and debated on. Amongst the proposed reforms were on the areas of checks and balances. As the old version was criticized as missing of these features, the new one is “ripe” with those. But the debates and deliberations went on until the deadline was already close by. The move for extension of the previous version came up when the amendments could no longer make it to the deadline. In February of last year, the extension was moved until this February 2011. In addition, there was a promise made to fully consider the raised concerns ahead of the next deadline.
Another renewal is about to be proposed as February 2011 begins. 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 occurred, there would nevertheless be no discussion. As projected, no one could have the opportunity to put forward amendments to enhance the bill.
It can be presumed that there is something about the bill that raised such reaction. For one, the law allows the administration to place anyone under observation. Covert court orders will be given under Section 215. With this, access to personal data could be established. These consist of internet, telephone and corporate records.
The government could also be allowed to allow foreign intelligence wiretaps. This can be used against those people who have no relationship to any foreign power or terrorist group. Still, government has the authority to tap any telephone number, email account or other communications facility of any suspected individual.
Those had been the provisions that critics say should not be incorporated in the renewal. In order for it to be meaningful, genuine reforms should be done. Weak points should be removed, and more checks and balances should be built-in. This can be done if debates are allowed. This is the only way to ensure that civil liberties are protected.
If you are concerned about our government, then you might want to consider using an IP Changer to help safeguard your online identity. Who knows what the government will come up with next.