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Monday, May 16, 2005

Patriot Act Hearings Examine Need for Surveillance Powers
On May 11 the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence held a public oversight hearing on the PATRIOT Act to consider renewal of the law, including surveillance provisions that have been heavily criticized by civil liberties groups. Testimony from the American Civil Liberties Union detailed examples of abuse of these provisions. Dep. Attorney General James Comey, Jr. testified on the continuing need for these powers. See a summary on the committee website.

Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) has introduced alternative legislation, the SAFE Act (Security and Freedom Enhancement Act of 2005), which puts limits on government's surveillance powers.

Posted by Kay Guinane, 11:15:54 AM

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Mark-up of 527 Fairness Act Scheduled
Thursday, May 19, 2005
10:00 AM
1310 Longworth House Office Building

Mark-up of H.R. 1316
The 527 Fairness Act of 2005

So House Admin has rescheduled the markup, but have decided to go with Pence-Wynn instead of the 527 Reform Bill.

The Senate decided to markup the Reform Bill and stick provisions (which roll back parts of BCRA) from Pence-Wynn into the bill. Now of course, the sponsors are not happy and are considering introducing their original bill as a substitute on the floor!

So the House seems to be intent on moving Pence-Wynn along on Thursday and perhaps marking up the reform bill at a later date.

What a windfall for the Members of Congress! Restrict the 527 groups and increase the parties' ability to raise money. Who would have thought? Certainly not McCain...

Posted by Jennifer Lowe, 04:50:42 PM