I was cheered to discover that Tim broke from the GOP lockstep last week and voted AGAINST extending the Patriot Act. Instead, he voted with the Democrats to make the extension temporary.
While Johnson generally follows the GOP line, he has his moments of clarity. This was one of them. Unfortunately, the GOP line carried the day, but it was still cheering to actually have MY opinion go up on the board.
From Sunday's News-Gazette Roll Call Report (which, unfortunately screwed up the most important of Tim's votes....):
Permanent Patriot Act: Members voted, 257-171, to renew the USA Patriot Act and make permanent most of its key sections. A yes vote was to renew the post 9/11 law, which expands police power to watch, probe and detain those suspected of terrorism and related acts. (HR 3199)Johnson voted NO.
Temporary Act: Members rejected, 209-218, a Democratic bid to extend the USA Patriot Act for four years. Backers said government power over civil liberties must be limited, while foes said no abuses have been reported under the law since 2001. A yes vote backed a temporary law. (HR 3199)Johnson voted YES.
Library Searches: Members voted, 402-26, to require the FBI director to personally approve library and bookstore searches under HR 3199 (above). The original Patriot Act and this renewal permit such searches based on secret warrants. A yes vote was to require FBI director approval.Johnson voted YES.
Security Letters: Members voted, 394-32, to give recipients of a 'national security letter' access to counsel and standing to challenge the letter in court. These letters are subpoenas the FBI can issue without prior court review. A yes vote backed the amendment to HR 3199 (above).Johnson voted YES.
Way to go, Tim! Some of us actually appreciate your efforts to preserve our liberties.
And so it goes.
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