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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2001

By a vote of 96 to 1, the Senate on Thursday night passed a bill to make it easier for police to conduct electronic surveillance.

Known as the Uniting and Strengthening America (USA) Act, the 243-page bill received its only negative vote from Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) Like others, Feingold has expressed doubts on the enchroachment of civil liberties.

The House has its own version of the bill, dubbed the Patriot Act.

In related Congressional action, the Senate approved a bill to federal airport security. The bill was passed 100 to 0.

Get the Story:
Senate Passes Expansion of Electronic Surveillance (The Washington Post 10/12)
Measure Federalizing Airport Security Approved (The Washington Post 10/12)

Get the Bills:
A bill to deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world (S.1510)
To combat terrorism, and for other purposes (H.R.2975)

Related Stories:
Senate acting on anti-terror bill (10/11)
Anti-terrorism bill expands police powers (10/4)
Bill to expand federal police powers (10/2)