Jane Harman: “this vote on the PATRIOT Act reauthorization is tough; it is far from being the best bill it could be. But I will vote…”

“this vote on the PATRIOT Act reauthorization is tough; it is far from being the best bill it could be. But I will vote for it and want to explain why. Imagine a world in which terrorists make deals and connect with recruits on-line, in cabs, hotel lobbies or cafes all over the world. Communication is highly compartmentalized so few, if any, know what the big plans are. Sometimes, physical runners deliver messages to evade listening devices. Such a world is not the stuff of Hollywood movies. It is our 21st century world. The horrific events of September 11, and the more recent bombings in Bali, Britain, Jordan, Madrid, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Turkey remind us that the terrorists are prepared to strike anywhere, at any time-- and with maximum destructive force. With this as a backdrop, it has been and remains my view that the PATRIOT Act tools are needed: to track communications by email and internet, including the use of internet sites in libraries; and to prevent and disrupt plots against us. Such powerful tools must be narrowly tailored to ensure that they do not violate the rights of innocent Americans. In reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act, Congress had an opportunity to refine the law, but this conference report reflects only modest improvements. Many of us in both bodies worked hard to make this conference report better. In the end, we asked for three things of critical importance.…”