(2003-12-29) Govt Signs Patriot2

Patriot Act 2 was signed last week. Everyone's rightly blaming Emperor For Life George W Bush, but John Battelle notes that this passed the US Congress via an unaccountable Voice Vote on Thanksgiving with no debate. So (a) even some Democratic congressmen voted for it, and (b) what the heck happened during those interim weeks in terms of coverage?

This was buried in the Intelligence Authorization Act (for Fiscal Year 2004) which was HR2417 sponsored by PorterGoss, and became PublicLaw108-177. I believe this was the vote in the House. I see that (a) only 15 Democrats supported it, (b) Dennis Kucinich voted against it (though a Dec24 article about his opposition to the Patriot Act didn't mention the new bill), and (c) Dick Gephardt didn't vote.

Dave Winer asks did any of the Democratic Presidential Candidates 2004 alert us?

Updates:

• Wired had covered this on Nov24

• I didn't realize [z2003-12-15-LefkowitzPayAntiPatriot] related to 'II'

• Ross Mayfield adds his voice.

• Jan6: Wired new piece. James Dempsey said the Intelligence Authorization Act is a favorite vehicle of politicians for expanding government powers without careful scrutiny. The bill, because of its sensitive nature, is generally drafted in relative secrecy and approved without extensive debate because it is viewed as a "must-pass" piece of legislation. The act provides funding for intelligence agencies... Charlie Mitchell said legislators are now on the lookout for other Patriot ActIi provisions being tucked into new legislation. "All things considered, this was a loss for civil liberties," he said. But on a brighter note, "this was the only provision of Patriot II that made it through this year. Members are hearing from their constituents. I really think we have the ability to stop much of this Patriot Act II legislation in the future." (I guess that's our call to action for now.)