Reid Proposes to Extend Patriot Act

The Hill reports:

Reid's approach differs from legislation backed by House Republicans as well as proposals from other Democrats.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) on Wednesday introduced a new proposal to extend three Patriot Act surveillance authorities that will expire at the end of next week.

Reid's proposal clashes with legislation House Republicans are expected to approve next week. It also differs from bills introduced by House and Senate Democrats, and could further complicate efforts to reach a compromise.

Reid's bill, S. 1022, would extend the ability of U.S. intelligence authorities to conduct roving wiretaps, gain access to business records and survey "lone-wolf" operators through the end of 2014. The bill is a straight extension of these authorities, all of which expire May 27 under a bill Congress approved back in February.