Specifically, the USA PATRIOT Act enhances the ability of federal authorities to conduct criminal and intelligence investigations, bars and expels foreign terrorists from the United States, separates terrorists from their financial support, punishes terrorist acts, and addresses the needs of terrorist victims.  Since the USA PATRIOT Act was enacted in 2001, enabling law enforcement to combat terrorism, there has not been a terrorist attack on American soil.   

Several provisions of the Act will expire on December 31, 2005, including three communications-related aspects of federal law: wiretapping, stored electronic communications and communication transaction records; and pen registers and trap and trace devices.  The bi-partisan 9/11 Commission recognized the fact that these key provisions would expire and recommended that they be reviewed with a "a full and informed debate on the PATRIOT Act.”  The reauthorization of the USA PATRIOT Act extends two of the provisions for ten years, while the other fourteen provisions would be made permanent. 

Congress has expressed concerns in reference to some of the provisions concerning surveillance issues.  While it is important to provide protection and security to our nation, it is imperative that we do not infringe upon important American civil liberties and freedoms that we cherish. 

Unfortunately, in this post 9-11 era, our world has changed, our enemy has changed, and our approach must also change.  As your United States Congressman, I will work with my colleagues in the House of Representatives to find the proper balance between protecting the civil liberties of American citizens, and safeguarding our nation from future terrorist attacks on American soil.