Washington, D.C.—U.S. Congressman Steve King last night led a coalition of Congressional members to explain to the American people the critical need for the Patriot Act. The reauthorization of 16 expiring provisions of the Patriot Act passed the House of Representatives last night, in a bipartisan vote, 257-171. 

“The vulnerabilities inherent in a free society were exploited by people who came here, have a hatred for our freedom and a hatred for anyone whom they declare to be an infidel,” said King. “We need all of the tools the Patriot Act provides to preempt terrorist attacks on us in this country.  Those tools so far have been a major part of the reason why we have not been attacked again.” 

“We will not be going back to the pre-September 11th way of thinking. The old way allowed for a wall of separation between intelligence and prosecution, and that may have been the element that allowed the September 11 terrorists to attack us. The Patriot Act has removed that wall and allowed for cooperation and necessary sharing of information and records. With the Patriot Act we will be supporting our intelligence people, supporting our FBI, and preventing terrorists from carrying out their attacks,” added King. 

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