US Senate approves Patriot Act extension

Congress headed toward approval of a four-year extension of expiring provisions of the PATRIOT Act after the Senate voted overwhelmingly Monday to advance the anti-terrorism law over the objections of a coalition of conservatives and liberals.

Because of strong support from the Obama administration, a bipartisan majority in both the House and Senate is expected to ensure passage this week, preventing a lapse of the federal enforcement powers. The provisions expire Friday. “It is essential to avoid any hiatus in these critical authorities,” the White House said in a statement of administration policy.

The law has troubled civil libertarians and conservatives since its enactment after the Sept. 11 attacks.

The sections of the law expiring Friday include the so-called roving wire tap provision, which allows investigators to continue eavesdropping even when a suspect switches phones.