    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2005, Book II)]
    [December 22, 2005]
    [Page 1899]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Congressional Action To Reauthorize PATRIOT Act
    Reauthorization Legislation
    December 22, 2005

        I appreciate the strong commitment by the majority of the House and
    of the Senate to reauthorize the PATRIOT Act. The terrorists are
    determined to strike America again and inflict even greater damage than
    they did on September 11, 2001. The PATRIOT Act is essential to
    protecting the American people against the terrorists. The act tore down
    the wall between law enforcement and intelligence officials so that they
    can share information and work together to help prevent attacks. The
    Senate Democratic leader boasted last week that
    the Senate Democrats had ``killed the PATRIOT Act.'' Our Nation's
    security must be above partisan politics. The PATRIOT Act has helped us
    disrupt terrorist plots and break up cells here in the United States. I
    will work closely with the House and Senate to make sure that we are not
    without this crucial law for even a day.