Sen. Rand Paul vowed Saturday to force the expiration of the Patriot Act on Sunday by preventing Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell from expediting debate on legislation that would extend or replace the surveillance program.
Paul told Politico that he will not support efforts to pass an extension of the Patriot Act in its current form, and will also not support the USA Freedom Act, a modest reform bill that passed the House last month in a 338-88 vote.
"So tomorrow, I will force the expiration of the NSA illegal spy program," Paul told Politico. "I have fought for several years now to end the illegal spying of the NSA on ordinary Americans. The callous use of general warrants and the disregard for the Bill of Rights must end. Forcing us to choose between our rights and our safety is a false choice and we are better than that as a nation and as a people."
The Senate will meet in a rare Sunday session to figure out how to reauthorize key sections of the Patriot Act before they expire on June 1. The NSA uses those sections to justify its mass surveillance and bulk data collection program.
McConnell previously refused to support the reform measure that would seemingly put an end to the NSA's bulk collection program, insisting the Patriot Act must be reauthorized in its current form. But sources told Politico that McConnell now has little choice but to support the reform, given the vast support within Congress and less than 48 hours before key provisions expire.
But Paul believes the USA Freedom Act actually expands the Patriot Act, and he thinks he alone can prevent the measure from passing until at least Thursday. Many say allowing those provisions to expire could jeopardize national security.
"Tomorrow, we will come back with just hours left before the NSA illegal spying powers expire," Paul said. "Let me be clear: I acknowledge the need for a robust intelligence agency and for a vigilant national security."
He continued: "I believe we must fight terrorism, and I believe we must stand strong against our enemies. But we do not need to give up who we are to defeat them. In fact, we must not. There has to be another way. We must find it together."
"I am ready and willing to start the debate on how we fight terrorism without giving up our liberty. Sometimes when the problem is big enough, you just have to start over. The tax code and our regulatory burdens are two good examples. Fighting against unconditional, illegal powers that take away our rights, taken by previous Congresses and administrations is just as important. I do not do this to obstruct. I do it to build something better, more effective, more lasting, and more cognizant of who we are as Americans."
