Short Patriot Act Extension Is Likely (to March 10 - House vote today)

[papau]

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http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-patriot1feb01,0,7302226.story?coll=la-headlines-politics
From the Los Angeles Times
Short Patriot Act Extension Is Likely
From Associated Press

February 1, 2006

WASHINGTON — Congress is poised to extend the Patriot Act into March to give the White House and conservative Senate Republicans time to strike a deal that would strengthen civil liberties without weakening efforts to fight terrorism.

The House is set to vote today on extending the law until March 10 rather than let it expire Friday. The Senate was expected to follow before the deadline.

It would be Congress' second extension of the law. Originally passed five weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the Patriot Act was due to expire Dec. 31.

Just before leaving for Christmas, Congress extended the law until Feb. 3 because Senate Democrats and four libertarian-leaning Republicans blocked a final vote on a measure negotiated by the White House that would have made most expiring provisions permanent. The Republican opponents were concerned about excessive police powers. <snip>

[Theres-a]

1. March 10

This as opposed to what? Making it permanent,changing it,or getting rid of it? Alot could happen between now and March 10,right?

[papau]

2. Making it permanent- but with changes - is the goal for March 10

:-)