The Patriot Act Will Return: Don't Let Your Guard Down

Yesterday's vote in Congress was a small victory for liberty and freedom. Notice I said small, even though it feels big as the Tea Party, the blogs, and even some our friends on the left pulled together to raise attention to the fact the Republicans were secretly pushing through the Patriot Act for permanent extension. It's not over.

Yesterday's vote was a huge surprise. John Boehner teaming up with Barack Obama, let me repeat that, John Boehner teaming up with Barack Obama led the House to by pass required procedures to force an immediate vote. In doing so, it forced Congress to produce a 2/3 majority in order to pass the extension. Fortunately, 26 Republicans and some Democrats decided they weren't going to vote against the Constitution, freedom, and liberty to continue to give the federal government more intrusive power. (Tea Party talker Billy Long voted for more intrusive government by the way.)

It's a win, but the fight against the Patriot Act isn't over. Chances are, considering the vote totals this time around, it will pass. Consider this from the Los Angeles Times:

The unexpected turn of events will require the White House, which is seeking to extend the Sept. 11-era bill through 2013, to work with congressional leaders to devise a new strategy for passage.

"I am disappointed in the outcome of tonight's vote," said Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), the author of the original act. "We are now under a time crunch."

The House voted 277-148 under a process that required a two-thirds vote, ending up seven votes short. Twenty-six Republicans voted against the bill. Democrats were divided, with 67 voting in favor and 122 against.

Sad, the for the past two years Republicans have attacked the Democrats for destroying the Constitution, and in one vote, all their arguments were neutralized. All but 26 Republicans voted against the Constitution yesterday.