Senate Prepares Patriot Act Redux

Many parts of the Patriot Act are set to be renewed after the Senate gave its blessing Monday, but debate is sure to follow, according to Human Events.

The bipartisan-backed act, which enables federal authorities to legally monitor domestic phone calls and electronic correspondence in the name of fighting terrorism, will go before the House later this week.

Rand Paul

The plan for renewal easily passed through the Senate with a 74-to-8 vote.

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., opposes renewing the provisions, saying, “Some say that if you have nothing to hide, why do you care? It will not always be angels in charge of the government.

"We want rules in case someone takes over the government intent on using these tools to pry into our . . . political affiliation or religious beliefs,” Paul added.

“This provision may well prove critical to thwart new plots and find new terrorists," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. “[The provisions] must be renewed."