ABQjournal: House Extends Patriot Act; N.M. Delegates Split on Bill By Glen Johnson

After more than nine hours of debate, the House approved the measure 257-171. Forty-three Democrats joined 214 Republicans in voting to renew key provisions of the Patriot Act that were set to expire at the end of the year.

Rep. Tom Udall, a New Mexico Democrat and vocal opponent of the Patriot Act, voted against the measure, which he has said infringes on Americans’ civil liberties.

Reps. Steve Pearce and Heather Wilson, R-N.M., both voted for the reauthorization.

“The Patriot Act is an effort to give law enforcement the tools to prevent — not just prosecute — terrorist attacks,” Wilson said. “Our nation would be less secure without the Patriot Act.”

Pearce said the act requires judicial approval before most provisions can be used by law enforcement, which he said is an effective check on abuse of power. [mjh: is Pearce a liar or an idiot?]

“If you’re not a terrorist, if you’re not a drug runner, you really don’t have anything at all to be concerned about with the Patriot Act,” Pearce said.