NEWS: Sensenbrenner to block six-month extension of the Patriot Act

[rpgamerd00d]

WASHINGTON - House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner threatened Thursday to block passage of six-month extension of the Patriot Act, Republicans officials said, leaving open the possibility that the anti-terror legislation enacted after the attacks of 2001 might expire at year's end.

A spokesman for the Wisconsin Republican declined comment.

Sensenbrenner's reticence sent the White House and congressional GOP leaders scrambling to prevent the expiration of the existing law, with most lawmakers already home for the holidays. One possibility included approval of a shorter extension, coupled with a decision to summon lawmakers back to the Capitol early next year.

"Congressman Sensenbrenner needs to do what's right for Americans and agree to let the bipartisan Senate bill pass promptly," said Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

The Senate approved a six-month extension Wednesday night. Republican leaders reversed course to do so, after insisting for days they would accept nothing less than enactment of permanent legislation that incorporated changes in the powers granted law enforcement to pursue suspected terrorists.

President Bush has long demanded Congress send him permanent legislation, but he sidestepped the issue of an extension when he spoke with reporters during the day.

"It appears to me that the Congress understands we've got to keep the Patriot Act in place, that we're still under threat," he said before boarding a helicopter headed to Camp David, Md., for a long holiday weekend with his family.

Under House rules, Sensenbrenner has the power to block enactment of the six-month law. Officials who described his position did so on condition of anonymity, citing a need to keep the matter confidence.

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051222/ap_on_go_co/patriot_act