Agreement reached to extend US anti-terror law

WASHINGTON, Thursday (Reuters)

Republican-led U.S. congressional negotiators agreed to extend or make permanent key provisions of the anti-terror Patriot Act including wire taps, Internet surveillance and the sharing of information among intelligence and law-enforcement agencies.

The Patriot Act was first passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States to expand federal investigative powers.

Aides said Wednesday’s accord was being put into final legislative language so it could be quickly considered by the full Republican-controlled Senate and House of Representatives.

Democrats complained they had been largely shut out of final negotiations. They also charged the agreement did not fix major complaints and would undermine civil rights.Proponents hailed the agreement, saying it provided new safeguards and a balance between individual freedoms and national security.

The accord, for instance, would provide increased judicial review and congressional oversight when law enforcement seeks personal records. Critics complained it was inadequate.

Backers hope to get the Senate and House to give the agreement final congressional approval soon so President George W. Bush can sign it into law before many provisions expire this year.

According to a draft, the agreement would make permanent 14 of 16 expiring provisions.