[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19463]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


        CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT OF THE PATRIOT ACT IS ESSENTIAL

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                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 2, 2005

  Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, July 21, 2005, I voted 
against final passage of H.R. 3199, providing for the reauthorization 
of 16 sunset provisions of the Uniting and Strengthening America by 
Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct 
Terrorism (USA PATRIOT Act) Act of 2001.
  Following the horrific and devastating attacks of 9/11, Congress 
acted swiftly by enacting the PATRIOT Act just six weeks after the 
terrorist attacks. I voted for the original PATRIOT Act because it gave 
our intelligence and law enforcement agencies the tools they needed to 
fight the war on terrorism. Congress recognized, however, the need to 
review certain provisions of the Act that could change our way of life 
and liberty in this country. It is not a good idea to make permanent 
policy for the United States concerning our fundamental rights and 
freedoms during extraordinary times of war. We must never allow the 
terrorists to alter the freedoms that define our country and make us 
the greatest Nation in the world.
  While I still believe that the 16 provisions of the Act are necessary 
to protect the Nation against future terrorist attacks, I do not 
believe that it is necessary or strategic to make these provisions 
permanent. We have learned that the terrorists will change the nature 
of their attacks in whatever way is needed to try and overcome our 
security forces. It is essential that our investigative agencies have 
the ability to review these laws over time to make adjustments 
according to our ever-changing security needs.
  The PATRIOT Act should be a living document that Congress reviews 
frequently to correct any problems or abuses and strengthens when there 
are indicators that additional tools are needed to protect Americans in 
the war on terrorism.
  While our national security must be protected, we can and must fight 
terrorism without violating the very constitutional protections that 
define us as a nation and make us the greatest country in the world.
  Congressional oversight of the PATRIOT Act is essential.

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