Defeat for Bush as Senate rejects Patriot Act extension

THE American Senate yesterday rejected attempts to re-authorise several provisions of the USA Patriot Act as infringing too much on Americans’ privacy and liberty, dealing a huge defeat to the Bush administration.

In a crucial vote early Friday, the bill's supporters were not able to get the 60 votes needed to overcome a threatened filibuster by Democratic Senator Russ Feingold, Republican Larry Craig and their allies. The final vote was 52-47.

President Bush, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Republican congressional leaders had lobbied fiercely to make most of the expiring Patriot Act provisions permanent, and add new safeguards and expiration dates to the two most controversial parts: roving wiretaps and secret warrants for books, records and other items from businesses, hospitals and organisations such as libraries.