AAP on the Hill / Issues: First Amendment
November 01, 2003
SAFE Act Would Limit Patriot Act Searches
A new bill introduced in the Senate reflects a growing conviction among members of Congress of both parties that Congress needs to revisit the expansive search authority it granted to the FBI under the Patriot Act. The “Security and Freedom Ensured (SAFE) Act of 2003,” (S. 1709) was introduced in the Senate on October 2, 2003 and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
September 01, 2003
AAP Welcomes Senate Bill to Protect Library and Bookstore Records
AAP applauded the introduction on July 31 of Senate legislation that would restore the legal safeguards surrounding government searches of library, bookstore and other personal records that have been stripped away by Section 215 of the USA Patriot Act.
September 01, 2003
House Resoundingly Rejects Patriot Act “Sneak and Peek” Searches
On July 22, the House overwhelmingly approved a provision limiting the power of the FBI to conduct so-called “sneak and peek” searches under the USA Patriot Act.
July 01, 2003
Supreme Court Upholds Children’s Internet Protection Act
On June 23, in a fragmented 6-3 ruling which produced 5 separate opinions, the U.S. Supreme Court failed to find the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) unconstitutional on its face.
May 01, 2003
New Bill Would Revoke Bush Executive Order on Presidential Records
A bi-partisan bill, H.R. 1493, which would revoke the Bush executive order that allows a former or sitting president—and in some cases the family of a dead president—to block the release of presidential records and tapes by invoking “constitutionally-based privileges,” was introduced by Rep. Doug Ose (R-CA) in the House on March 27 and referred to the Government Reform Committee.
April 01, 2003
The Patriot Act and the First Amendment
Why the Book Community is ConcernedA Statement from the Freedom to Read Committee of the Association of American Publishers
March 26, 2003
Freedom to Read Protection Act Would Safeguard Library and Bookstore Records
At a press conference on March 6, Congressman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) announced the introduction of the Freedom to Read Protection Act, H.R.1157. The bill would exempt libraries and booksellers from provisions of the USA Patriot Act which allow the federal government to access library and bookstore records without the need to get a traditional search warrant. Law enforcement authorities would still be able to obtain these records, but under a higher standard of judicial oversight.