On the recordMay 26, 2011
the PATRIOT Act has been an indispensable, life-saving tool for the law enforcement and intelligence communities that work tirelessly to protect our Nation from terrorist attacks. In these dangerous times, the PATRIOT Act should give a little more peace of mind to millions of Americans and give those seeking to do us harm good reason to rethink their diabolical plans. Earlier this year, I voted to extend the PATRIOT Act. Today, I reaffirm my support for reauthorizing key PATRIOT Act provisions for an additional 4 years. Our Nation's security has and will always be a top priority for me. As a member of the Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence, I am aware of the constant threat our Nation faces from terrorists and individuals who hate us and want to impose their radical view of the world at all costs. Any changes or limits on the PATRIOT Act would only give these extremists an opening to strike us. While some may disagree on this issue, I simply cannot allow those tasked with protecting our people from being deprived of these vital, lawful means to help prevent an attack.
