[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.