House votes to limit Patriot Act rules on library records
June 16, 2005
WASHINGTON -- The House voted Wednesday to block the FBI and the Justice Department from using the anti-terror Patriot Act to search library and book store records, responding to complaints about potential invasion of privacy of innocent readers.
Despite a veto threat from President Bush, lawmakers voted 238-187 to block the part of the anti-terrorism law that allows the government to investigate the reading habits of terror suspects.
The vote reversed a narrow loss last year by lawmakers complaining about threats to privacy rights.
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Whatever happens, I'm very, very happy because it has, at least, sent a message. And signals perhaps that Congress is a little less ready to roll over and play dead than last time; maybe they're finally beginning to have some doubts about the current imbalance of powers.
There will be a lot of PATRIOT Act debate as the administration argues for reauthorization - and I hope that those opposed to it speak up and help folks understand what's involved. Frankly, much as I am concerned about the freedom to read, there are many other crucial freedoms at risk.
Barbara
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