WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- The White House accused Senate Democrats of playing politics with the Patriot Act and Tuesday urged permanent renewal of its expiring provisions.
"it's important to renew and reauthorize these provisions," spokesman Scott McClellan said. "It's critical that we not go without provisions in the law even for a day."
The Patriot Act, which allows broader intelligence sharing among various government agencies, was enacted with overwhelming bipartisan support in the wake of al-Qaida's 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. Included were a number of controversial provisions that gave authorities wider investigative powers, such as roving wiretaps and nationwide search warrants for electronic (Internet) communications.
The more controversial provisions were set to expire at the end of last year unless reauthorized, but a filibuster of legislation by Senate Democrats blocked a full chamber vote.
McClellan Tuesday again slammed the blocking Democrats and said they were acting "to appease special interests and play politics with it."
Bush, to keep provisions in place as Capitol Hill geared for renewed debate, signed a temporary measure extending Patriot Act provisions until Feb. 3. As part of his ongoing push for renewal, he was meeting Tuesday with U.S. attorneys who had successfully used provisions of the act to thwart possible terrorist attack.
