Don't Forget About the Patriot Act

From the AP/Houston Chronicle:

Months overdue in a midterm election year, the USA Patriot Act renewal cleared a final hurdle in the Senate Tuesday on its way to President Bush's desk. But the bill's sponsor made clear that he is unsatisfied with the measure's privacy protections and far from done tinkering with the centerpiece of Bush's war on terrorism.

"The issue is not concluded," warned the bill's chief author, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter, R-Pa. He said he plans more legislation and hearings on restoring curbs on government power that had been rejected by the House.

The Senate voted 69-30 to limit debate and bring the bill up for a vote, exceeding a required 60-vote threshold. The Senate could pass the final measure as soon as Wednesday. The House then would vote and send the legislation to the White House.

President Bush must sign the measure into law before 16 major provisions expire March 10.