House Extends Patriot Act

WASHINGTON — A modified version of the USA Patriot Act passed the House of Representatives Dec. 14, with 44 Democrats joining 207 Republicans in a vote to extend the controversial anti-terrorist bill past its Dec. 31 expiration date.

The move brings the Patriot Act extension to the Senate, where, despite the possibility of a Democratic filibuster, few believe it will fail to pass.

Although the Patriot Act met with overwhelming approval when it was first enacted after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, a sizeable number of politicians on the Hill have since expressed regret that it was passed so quickly.

Designed to expand government's surveillance and prosecutorial powers against terrorists, the controversial law has stirred vigorous debate among free speech and privacy advocates who argue it goes too far.

Now, a bipartisan group of senators have joined in the Senate to demand the Patriot Act be reevaluated before an extension is granted.

“If we enact the bill as written, a little bit of the liberty tree will have died,” Rep. James McGovern, D-Mass., said during a news conference late Dec. 13.

McGovern and about a dozen other Republican and Democratic senators have said the Patriot Act bestows too much power to the government, especially when it comes to investigating private transactions, bank records, library use and medical or computer records.

Regardless of dissenting opinion in the Senate, some of the most controversial aspects of the Patriot Act show no signs of being cut. These would include existing legislation that authorizes roving wiretaps and permits secret warrants for books, records and other items from businesses, hospitals and organizations such as libraries, all of which are expected to remain part of the Patriot Act for the next four years.

The only significant amendments to the Patriot Act since its passing came last July, when the House adopted provisions that require federal agencies to report to Congress on their data mining activities; require the FBI director to personally authorize demands to libraries for the release of business records; and give people served with national security demand letters the right to consult with counsel and challenge the letters in court.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Taylor Nicole Launches New Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Creator Taylor Nicole has launched her new official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Adult Networking Platform SpicyGigs.com Launches

SpicyGigs, a new adult industry networking platform, has officially launched.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Cream Pie Challenge' Fundraiser

Pineapple Support is hosting its Cream Pie Challenge through August to raise funds for mental health services for industry performers.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Pineapple Support, Streamate to Host 'Navigating Grief and Loss' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Streamate are hosting a free online support group to help performers cope with grief and loss.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for May, June

AEBN has released the top search terms for the months of May and June from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Show More