S. 309 in the 104th congress was introduced by democrats (Sen Biden, drafted by Clinton Admin) possessed the same general sweeping authority of the patriot act but was killed in committee by republicans in favor of creating their own legislation. The legislation,
s 375 sponsored by bob dole, was a watered down version which marginally increased surveillance authority and enacted "tough penalties" for terrorists. (Prosecutorial efforts, essentially)
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The republican congress was derelict in their responsibility and is now showing crass hypocrisy for suggesting democrats were light on terrorism when indeed they killed the bill they are currently suggesting would have prevented 9/11 in favor of a lighter bill.
I'm no fan of either the Patriot Act or hypocrisy, but this invariably presents a dilemma. The Republicans, light on terror, stall the bill in committee in 1995 and then, 2001, they reintroduce it with the same language. They suggest Democrats (not just suggest, but out right say) are light on terrorism when THEY KILLED IT.
This was difficult to track as there was no news media coverage regarding this information. If there are inaccuracies please let me know and I'll edit it as soon as possible.