In addition to additional law enforcement powers, like those granted in the original 2001 USA Patriot Act, the new bill in the House of Representatives to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission would likely create what amounts to a national identification card, and would harm basic fairness in the nation? immigration system, the American Civil Liberties Union said today. "Republican leadership is either trying to torpedo the 9/11 Commission? recommendations with a poison pill, or is attempting to muscle through a narrow policy agenda using must-pass legislation," said Laura W. Murphy, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office. "Both scenarios are unacceptable." At issue is the House version of legislation drafted in response to the recently completed 9/11 Commission. Though the commission notably did not include any recommendation that the Patriot Act be extended, or that due process and judicial review in the immigration system be curtailed, House Republicans included such provisions anyway.

The inclusion of some parts of the Patriot II legislation is drawing increasing criticism, especially after a group of 9/11 widows appealed to lawmakers this week to not let such divisive provisions derail the bill.

http://www.aclu.org/SafeandFree/SafeandFree.cfm?ID=16572&c=206


EFF Says the Draft "PATRIOT II" Legislation Goes Too Far
http://www.linuxelectrons.com/article.php/20040927172244844

U.S. Patriot Act raises Canadian privacy fears
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N21450007.htm


From:
Aftermath News
Top Stories - October 2nd, 2004