On the recordMay 26, 2011
I was unavoidably absent during today's vote to extend three expiring provisions of the PATRIOT ACT, due to my son's college graduation. I voted to extend these provisions earlier this year when this legislation was before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Had I been able to attend today's vote, I would have voted again with the majority to extend these provisions. Additionally, I would have voted to table amendment No. 363, which would have prohibited the use of any PATRIOT Act authorities to investigate or procure records relating to firearms. I would also have voted to table amendment No. 365, which would have sharply curtailed existing rules that help the Treasury track the financial activities of terrorists. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The majority leader.
