[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 143 (Wednesday, October 24, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1922]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   UNITING AND STRENGTHENING AMERICA BY PROVIDING APPROPRIATE TOOLS 
 REQUIRED TO INTERCEPT AND OBSTRUCT TERRORISM (USA PATRIOT) ACT OF 2001

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                               speech of

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 23, 2001

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, I voted against H.R. 3162 because there 
are still problems regarding freedom of speech; 4 years is too long a 
period before mandatory Congressional review, and because there was no 
opportunity for the House to offer reasonable amendments to further 
refine the legislation. When we are dealing with the fundamental 
freedoms of every American there is no excuse not to take the 
appropriate time to do the best we can. This bill is better than when 
it first passed the House, not as good as the bipartisan bill that 
passed out of Judiciary Committee (36-0), and is certainly not our 
best.

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