Intelligence and Privacy

Human Rights First Joins Dozens of Organizations in Opposing "PATRIOT II"

On February 7, 2003, the draft form of the Domestic Security Enhancement Act (DSEA, also known as "PATRIOT II") was revealed. In an April 1, 2003 article in the Village Voice (Chisun Lee, "Bracing for Bush's War at Home"), Justice Department Spokesperson Mark Corallo confimed that "exact details are confined to 'internal deliberations...' but the proposals 'will be filling in the holes' of the Patriot Act, 'refining things that will enable us to do our job.'"

On March 17, 2003, Human Rights First joined 66 other organizations in urging members of Congress to oppose the Domestic Security Enhancement Act. Included in this letter is a description of the potential consequences of "PATRIOT II":

"The draft bill contains a multitude of new and sweeping law enforcement and intelligence gathering powers, many of which are not related to terrorism, that would severly dilute, if not undermine, many basic constitutional rights, as well as disturb our unique system of checks and balances. If adopted, the bill would diminish personal privacy by removing important checks on government surveillance authority, reduce the accountability of the government to the public by increasing government secrecy, expand the definition of "terrorism" in a manner that threatens the constitutionally protected rights of Americans, and seriously erode the rights of all persons to due process of law."

The letter goes on to acknowledge the "very real" threat of terrorism: "...Combating this danger is a preeminent objective for the nation. To that end, however, we oppose the approach taken in the Domestic Security Enhancement Act and urge you to seek solutions that make America safer without diminishing our country's fundamental freedoms."

Read the full text of 3/17/03 Letter to Congress Opposing DSEA

On April 2, 2003, Human Rights First joined 76 other organizations in urging Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert to follow proper procedures regarding anti-terrorism legislation such as "PATRIOT II", stating:

"By following these procedures, the House is more likely to ensure that any legislation it enacts will properly reconcile the requirements of security with the demands of liberty. We know that you share this goal, and we look forward to your leadership and assistance."

Read the full text of the 4/2/03 Letter to Speaker Hastert Re. the DSEA