WH continues Patriot Act push (accuse Senate Dems of playing politics) [View All]

[sabra]

http://www.upi.com/SecurityTerrorism/view.php?StoryID=20060103-114210-7999r

WH continues Patriot Act push

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- The White House accused Senate Democrats of playing politics with the Patriot Act and Tuesday urged permanent renewal of its expiring provisions.

"it's important to renew and reauthorize these provisions," spokesman Scott McClellan said. "It's critical that we not go without provisions in the law even for a day."

The Patriot Act, which allows broader intelligence sharing among various government agencies, was enacted with overwhelming bipartisan support in the wake of al-Qaida's 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. Included were a number of controversial provisions that gave authorities wider investigative powers, such as roving wiretaps and nationwide search warrants for electronic (Internet) communications.

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McClellan Tuesday again slammed the blocking Democrats and said they were acting "to appease special interests and play politics with it."