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Advocacy Blog
Monday, May 16, 2005
Patriot Act Hearings Examine Need for Surveillance Powers
On May 11 the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held a public oversight hearing on the PATRIOT Act to consider renewal of the law, including surveillance provisions that have been heavily criticized by civil liberties groups. Testimony from the American Civil Liberties Union detailed examples of abuse of these provisions. Dep. Attorney General James Comey, Jr. testified on the continuing need for these powers. See a summary on the committee website.
Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) has introduced alternative legislation, the
SAFE Act
(Security and Freedom Enhancement Act of 2005), which puts limits on government's surveillance powers.
Posted by Kay Guinane
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