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Library records would have received extra protections. Congress would have closely scrutinized FBI use of the Patriot Act to prevent abuses. Dissemination of surveillance results would have been restricted, and after a time, unneeded records would have been destroyed. Republicans have been steadily pounding the Obama administration over the closing of the detainee prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as well as the possibly of holding civilian trials for detainees in the United States. They have also criticized federal agents for informing a Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, of his right to remain silent after 50 minutes of questioning for allegedly trying to ignite explosives on a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas. If Democrats had allowed the Senate to have a full debate on the Judiciary Committee restrictions, they would have exposed themselves to Republican arguments that Democrats were hurting law enforcement. With their health care overhaul bill on the ropes and joblessness still high, Democratic lawmakers need a victory. Not surprisingly, the Democratic retreat didn't please the party's liberal allies, but they recognized the political realities.
"The American Library Association understands why the Democratic leadership has to go with a clean reauthorization, but that doesn't take away the disappointment we have," said Lynne Bradley, the group's chief lobbyist. "It is more than unfortunate that Republicans think they own the ground when it comes to surveillance and national security." Michelle Richardson, legislative counsel for the ACLU, said, "Events of the last few months changed the tone in Washington when it comes to national security issues." "Were it not for the Christmas Day attack, you might have seen a bill with even modest reform go through," she said. "The numbers weren't there."
[Associated
Press;
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