House OKs Patriot Act Plan
The House agreed Wednesday to extend the Patriot Act for a month while conservative Republicans and the White House worked out changes intended to protect people from government intrusion.
The GOP-controlled House used a voice vote to keep the law in effect until March 10 so negotiators would have more time to come up with a deal. The Senate was expected to follow before the law expires Friday.
Just before leaving for Christmas, Congress extended the law until Friday. Senate Democrats and four libertarian-leaning Republicans had blocked a final vote on a measure negotiated by the White House that would have made permanent most expiring provisions. The Republicans were concerned about excessive police powers.
House Democrats said they did not want the Patriot Act to expire but were pressing for civil rights protections before renewing it permanently. The extension “will give members a chance to work together,” said Rep. Robert C. Scott (D-Va.).
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