Bush, Democrats in showdown over anti-terror bill
19 Dec 2005 20:08:38 GMT
Source: Reuters
By Thomas Ferraro
WASHINGTON, Dec 19 (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush said on Monday it was inexcusable for senators to block the anti-terrorism USA Patriot Act, and Democrats fired back by accusing him of playing political "chicken."
Key provisions of the act, a centerpiece of Bush's war on terrorism, are set to expire on Dec. 31 unless the U.S. Congress enacts legislation to renew them.
The House of Representatives passed such a measure last week, but it has been blocked in the Republican-led Senate amid a dispute pitting civil liberties against national security.
Democrats have proposed a temporary three-month extension to provide time to resolve the differences. So far the White House and congressional Republican leaders have refused, though one Republican, Jon Kyl of Arizona, asked Democrats if they would agree to a temporary, one-year extension. Democrats said that would be too long.
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