Patriot Act on Congressional Agenda

US Attorney General Ashcroft touted USA Patriot Act successes before Congress this week. Civil libertarians decried its attack on fundamental liberties while opponents noted the Act had been used primarily in non-terrorism cases. This dog-and-pony show follows last week's squeaky (tie) vote in the House, where Republican and Democrats almost rolled back one portion of the act. The Statesman-Journal notes that the Administration was spared embarrassment only because Republicans extended the normal time needed for a vote -- just like they did last year in order to pass the prescription drug bill. That action has come back to haunt Congress because costs greatly exceed Administrations claims.