FEINGOLD STATEMENT: "Today is a victory for the American people"

[kpete]

PATRIOT ACT UPDATE
by Senator Russ Feingold
Thu Dec 22, 2005 at 04:20:15 AM PDT
I wanted everyone to know the latest on where the Patriot Act stands.

Senator Russ Feingold's diary :: ::
I have never done this before, and I know that it's frowned upon, but here is my statement from last night:

Statement of U.S. Senator Russ Feingold
On the Latest Regarding Patriot Act Reauthorization

"Today is a victory for the American people and the bipartisan group of Senators who have been fighting against efforts to extend the Patriot Act permanently without protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens. I am pleased that the Republican leadership backed down from their irresponsible threat to let the Patriot Act expire and agreed to a 6-month extension of the provisions that would have sunset at the end of this year. This will allow more time to finally agree on a bill that protects our rights and freedoms while preserving important tools for fighting terrorism. Those of us who stood up to demand modest and reasonable protections of our liberties never wanted to stop Patriot Act reauthorization. We just want to get it right this time around.

We could have avoided these last-minute negotiations if the House had just adopted the Senate version of the Patriot Act that passed unanimously earlier this year. As we move forward, I hope that the Republican leadership in the Senate and the administration will continue down the path they started on tonight so that we don't find ourselves in this same situation 6 months from now. One thing is clear - what happened in the Senate over the past few weeks shows that this conference report is dead."

That's right, they backed down, for now. There was an agreement reached last night to extend the Patriot Act for 6 months so there is more time to finally get things right. I want to sincerely thank everyone for their support and for continuing to make their voices heard on this issue. We could not have reached this point without your support.

That said, our fight is far from over. Continue your efforts, whether it's writing your member of Congress, or talking to your neighbor - I promise I will continue mine.

Admissions from the President and others in the administration over the past week about illegal warrantless wiretaps are deeply troubling and only underline the need for proper oversight. Everyone wants to protect America from the terrorists who wish to do us harm. We just need to have the proper safeguards in place so that our rights are also protected.

Thanks again. Please have a happy and safe holiday season.

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2005/12/22/62015/451

[adriennui]

1. thank you senator feingold

you've given every patriotic citizen a present. excelsior!

[kpete]

2. Remember he was the ONLY Senator to vote against original

"This will allow more time to finally agree on a bill that protects our rights and freedoms while preserving important tools for fighting terrorism," said Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., who was the only senator to vote against the original Patriot Act in 2001.

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/breaking_news/13459783.htm

[myrna minx]

3. How refreshing and sadly, rare, that there is

an actual victory for the American people and not some defense contractor or lobbyist. :applause: Senator Feingold.

[Dawgs]

4. You know,

Two weeks ago I barely knew much of anything about this Fiengold character, but the more I hear him speak and the more I read his quotes, the more I love this guy.

[myrna minx]

5. I have dreams of his Presidency dancing in my head.

I love Feingold. He is fearless.