WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- Supporters of a four-year extension of the Patriot Act failed to muster enough votes in the U.S. Senate to end a bipartisan filibuster Friday.
The vote to end debate was 52-47, with four Republicans joining the filibuster and two Democrats supporting the bill, the Washington Post reported.
Opponents of the bill say it needs amendment to protect civil liberties. Many cited a New York Times report that revealed President Bush authorized the National Security Agency three years ago to engage in domestic eavesdropping without court order.
"Mr. President, it is time to have checks and balances in this country," said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee. "We are a democracy."
The Republicans joining the filibuster were Larry Craig of Idaho, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and John Sununu of New Hampshire. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist changed his vote from yes to no, which allows him to call for a new vote.
Democrats Tim Johnson of South Dakota and Ben Nelson of Nebraska voted with most Republicans to end debate.
