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House Passes USA Patriot Act Extension By a vote of 257-171, the House of Representatives votes to extend parts of the USA Patriot Act that are due to expire at the end of 2005. Critics say the bill does not include enough protections for civil liberties. But Republican leaders say the recent attacks in London prove the Patriot Act's importance.

Politics

House Passes USA Patriot Act Extension

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House Passes USA Patriot Act Extension

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By a vote of 257-171, the House of Representatives votes to extend parts of the USA Patriot Act that are due to expire at the end of 2005. Critics say the bill does not include enough protections for civil liberties. But Republican leaders say the recent attacks in London prove the Patriot Act's importance.

The bill, sponsored by House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), would make permanent 14 of the 16 expiring Patriot Act provisions. Two others would expire in 10 years: one provision dealing with business records and another allowing "roving" wiretaps.