So much for civil liberties

US House renews anti-terror law


The US House of Representatives has voted by a large majority to extend the Patriot Act, Washington's main anti-terrorism legislation.

Introduced in the wake of the September 2001 attacks on the US, the act grants the government unprecedented powers to investigate terror suspects.

Some provisions are due to expire this year unless renewed by Congress. The legislation now goes before the Senate.

Opponents say many of its provisions infringe civil liberties.

In a late session on Thursday, the House reauthorized the act by 257-171.

The vote was largely split along party lines - with most Republican in favour and most Democrats against.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4706031.stm