[Peace] Call Timmy about PATRIOT Act reauthorization

[Carl Estabrook]

[The following is from the Bill of Rights Defense Committee
<bordc at democracyinaction.org>.  You can call our representative in
Congress (that's what he's supposed to be) at 202.225.2371 or fax him at
202.226.0791. --CGE]


Call your Representative about PATRIOT Act reauthorization!

The House may vote as early as tomorrow (Wednesday, December 7) on a
PATRIOT Act "compromise" bill, known as a "conference report", that is
identical or close to the unacceptable version drafted before Congress's
Thanksgiving recess.

What the House may vote on:  The conference report fails to make adequate
changes to Section 215, expands National Security Letter powers, and
otherwise disregards civil liberties.  It places seven year sunsets on
sections 206, 215 and "lone wolf" and makes the rest of the PATRIOT Act
permanent.  (For more information about the bill, see
http://www.bordc.org/newsletter/bordc-act-alert39.php#draft.)

As an alternative to the conference report, the House may vote on a
"continuing resolution," which would extend all expiring provisions,
without changes, for a specific period, such as 3-6 months.  A continuing
resolution would extend the debate, so it is preferable to a bad bill.

Take Action/Talking Points:  Please phone or fax your House member today
or tomorrow (sorry, not enough time for emails!) and tell him or her that
the conference report is unacceptable because [insert the issues you feel
are most important], and to vote against it on behalf of his/her
constituents, including those in [cities and counties in their district],
which have passed civil liberties resolutions.  Ask your Representative to
oppose the conference report and vote in favor of a continuing resolution,
if one is proposed.

    * Look up your Representative's contact information at www.house.gov.
    * See expanded talking points at
http://www.bordc.org/newsletter/expandedpoints.php.
    * Look up resolutions passed in your district at
http://www.bordc.org/list.php?sortAlpha=1.

We will send updates on House and Senate votes when we have more
information.

Thanks for all you do, Bill of Rights Defense Committee

   Web: www.bordc.org
   Email: info at bordc.org
   Phone: 413-582-0110
   Fax: 413-582-0116

   ###