Does Congress Know What It Votes On?

When the Patriot Act was introduced in Congress at the height of terrorist fears after 9/11, Congress hastily signed it into law without so much as thoroughly reading the 300 page document. You'd think they would have learned their lesson.

NY Times: Broad new surveillance powers approved by Congress this month could allow the Bush administration to conduct spy operations that go well beyond wiretapping to include — without court approval — certain types of physical searches on American soil and the collection of Americans’ business records...

...“This shows why it is so risky to change the law by changing the definition” of something as basic as the meaning of electronic surveillance, said Suzanne Spaulding, a former Congressional staff member who is now a national security legal expert. “You end up with a broad range of consequences that you might not realize.”

...The legislation gives the director of national intelligence, Mike McConnell, and Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales broad discretion in enacting the new procedures and approving the way surveillance is conducted.

Although the mistake was initially made, Congress will seek to revise the surveillance legislation as soon as it returns from recess, even though it is only valid for six months. Administration officials said that "the Democrats were simply raising theoretical questions based on a harsh interpretation of the legislation."

Well, can you blame them? Even if the intent were pure, this administration has shown time and time again that when they have a choice to make, they will invariably take the low road when it comes to these types of matters.

There should never be any sort of rush when enacting any laws, especially those infringing on civil rights and liberties. I wonder when Congressional leaders will actually begin reading what they sign? It's akin to signing contracts with small print loopholes and getting screwed over and over again.