Chris Sununu: “Let me begin by addressing a concern that was just raised. It was suggested that if cloture is not invoked tomorrow that…”

“Let me begin by addressing a concern that was just raised. It was suggested that if cloture is not invoked tomorrow that there might not be a 3-month extension and the expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act, which are now law, would effectively be killed. Why would there not be a some short-term extension of the PATRIOT Act of 3 months or 6 months? It would be because some Member of Congress--I hope no one in the Chamber at the moment--but some Member of the House or Senate thinks that we will be better off without a PATRIOT Act, rather than with a 3-month extension. I suggest, No. 1, that is absolutely irresponsible, and, No. 2, that anyone who would make that argument is suggesting that the President, Chairman Specter, and the ranking member, Senator Leahy, are insincere in their suggestion that the tools provided to law enforcement under the PATRIOT Act are extremely important tools that law enforcement genuinely needs. Anyone who would be willing to oppose a temporary extension and prevent some elements of the PATRIOT Act to remain in force is either behaving irresponsibly or they are arguing--and it may be a heartfelt belief on that person's part that current law actually is not as important as they had previously suggested. I believe everyone can decide for themselves what they think the likely option, the almost certain option would be if cloture is not invoked. With regard to the substantive concerns, there are many.…”