Patriot Act Extension Approved by Congress and Signed by President

Earlier today the U.S. Congress voted to extend provisions in the Patriot Act which were set to expire. After approval in the Senate by a 72-23 vote, the extension was passed by the House of Representatives by a vote of 250-153.

The provisions in the bill were set to expire at midnight today if congress and the President did not take action. While President Obama was out of the country, at an international summit in France, he was able to review the bill and sign it into law after congressional approval. The President signed the bill via an “autopen” which is a machine, used by past presidents, to replicate his signature remotely.

The Obama administration was pushing for congressional approval of the extension, along with many in congress, citing the need to maintain national security. The powers included in the bill are seen by some as violating many constitutional rights, but are seen as justified in the wake of terrorist activities since 9/11.

“The Patriot Act has been plagued by myths and misinformation for 10 years,” said Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis.). “If Congress fails to reauthorize these laws before they expire, America’s national security and that of its citizens will be the most vulnerable in a decade.”

It was shortly after the September 11th attacks that the legislation was passed by Congress and approved by the President.