Renewing the Patriot Act: How Should Noem vote this Summer?

Here is a reply I received from Rep. Noem regarding the Patriot Act's renewal. Considering the revelations regarding NSA surveillance since that time, maybe she would want to reconsider renewing this authority this Summer. 

June 9, 2011

Dear Eldon,

Thank you for contacting me regarding the PATRIOT Act.  I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.

As you know, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress enacted the USA PATRIOT ACT, which was designed to increase communication in the law enforcement and intelligence communities and provide them with tools to apprehend terrorists.  On February 17, 2011, three provisions of this act were extended for 90 days, giving Congress time to review them and make decisions regarding the possibility of a longer extension.  On May 26, 2011, the U.S. House passed S. 990, the PATRIOT Sunsets Extension Act of 2011, with my support and was later signed into law by President Barack Obama.  This act extends the "lone wolf," roving wiretap and business record provisions until June 1, 2015, giving law enforcement the necessary tools to combat terrorism.

Specifically, the "lone wolf" provision was changed from the original definition of an "agent of foreign power" to include any person, other than a U.S. citizen, who engages in or prepares for international terrorism.  This provision allows law enforcement to monitor extremists who may try to carry out terror attacks without a support network or country.  The roving wiretap provision allows wiretaps authorized by courts to be conducted on suspects who would otherwise evade wiretaps.  The final extension is the business record provision, which allows law enforcement access to business records related to intelligence and terror investigations with a court order.

The United States has not been attacked since September 11, 2001, in part because of these three provisions of the PATRIOT Act.  They allow the law enforcement community to better engage, deter and respond to terrorist threats to our country.  Should Congress consider legislation related to this issue in the future, you can be sure I will keep your thoughts in mind.

I want you to know that I value your thoughts and concerns.  Thanks again for reaching out to my office.  Please let me know whenever I can be of assistance, and visit my website, http://noem.house.gov, to get more information on the latest congressional news important to South Dakota.

Sincerely,

Kristi Noem
Member of Congress