Sen. Udall Concerned Over Patriot Act
DENVER (AP) - Two U.S. senators are calling on the Obama administration to disclose how it interprets the Patriot Act, as an extension of the act nears a vote in Congress.
Colorado Democrat Mark Udall and Oregon Democrat Ron Wyden say these are dangerous times, but they believe the administration can disclose its interpretation of the law without disclosing methods.
At issue are provisions that allow the use of roving wiretaps, access to business records believed relevant to terrorist investigations, and secret surveillance of non-U.S. individuals without the government having to show a connection between the target and a specific terrorist group.
The legislation would extend three expiring provisions until June 1, 2015.
Some lawmakers say the legislation is less necessary now that al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden is dead.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
