Texas Congressman Credits Patriot Act For Preventing Terrorism, Saving Lives

By Laura Smith, University of New Mexico-Talk Radio News Service

Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Lamar Smith, credited the U.S. Patriot Act Tuesday for shielding America from possible terrorist attacks.

“Thousands of lives would not have been saved had it not been for the Patriot Act,” Smith said during a hearing with a House Judiciary Subcommittee.

Smith pointed to the prevention of a terrorist attack in London, in which suspects were planning on detonating a bomb in mid-air using various liquids, as a sign of the controversial Act’s success.

The U.S. Patriot Act allows the government to tap the emails and phone calls in the pursuit of terrorist activity. The Patriot Act was initially passed with mass support in October, 2001.

The hearing was interrupted by an irate demonstrator, who shouted at the committee members before being escorted out, with significant struggle, by security.