my concern that critical information about the implementation of the Patriot Act has not been made public.

Yet Director Muller said the FBI has not made any changes to the way it handles 215 gag orders.

I'm going to say it is quite extraordinary to grant government agents the statutory authority to secretly break into American's homes in criminal cases.

It was sold as stated on DOJ's website in 2005 as being necessary 'to conduct investigations without tipping off terrorists.'

the improvements that have been proposed by Senator Feingold and by Senator Leahy are so important.

So is the option of a criminal wire tap order an adequate alternative in the Lone Wolf situation?

It permits the government to conduct necessary surveillance but within a framework of accountability and oversight.

sneak and peak search warrants were requested 763 times but only three of those initial requests were in terrorism cases?

I have a full statement that I ask be placed in the record.

As I recall, it was in something called the USA Patriot Act which was passed in a rush after an attack on 9/11 that had to do with terrorism.

the Patriot Act provided statutory authority for the government to obtain that special sneak and peak, criminal search warrants

I also ask that letters in support of the Justice Act bill that we have introduced be placed in the hearing record as well.

I introduced legislation along with Senator Durbin and eight other senators that takes a comprehensive approach to fixing the USA Patriot Act and the FISA Amendments Act.

I'm glad the committee is moving forward on Patriot Act reauthorization.

the lack of safeguards contributed to the misuse of NSLs?

The Senator from Alabama, I really enjoy working with him, but I wish I remembered those victories.

We need strong rules and clear rules.

I fear what would happen if December 31st comes and goes and the three expiring provisions effectively do expire.