Ron Paul: Patriot Act was not available to read or study before it was voted

by James A. Hardin

March 11, 2002

In an interview with Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), The Beacon has uncovered at least one Congressman that admits that Congress sometimes passes unconstitutional laws. Furthermore, Congressmen know that these laws are unconstitutional at the time that the bills are passed. In addition, Rep. Paul revealed that laws are sometimes passed without the bills being available for reading and that often bills are passed on a "voice vote" (not a roll call vote) so that people back home will not know how a specific Congressman voted.

A recent example cited by Rep. Paul is the USA Patriot Act. This bill violates several constitutional protections and defines a "terrorist" as anyone who opposes a federal government program or policy. According to Rep. Paul, this means that a person who differs with the government on issues such as abortion, gun control laws, Free Trade Agreements, the United Nations, or any number of programs and activities could be defined as a terrorist and investigated by the government even though no crime is committed. The USA Patriot Act also gives the government the authority to establish a National ID Card for tracking and surveillance.

"I've heard many conservative Congressmen expressing disappointment in themselves for voting in favor of this bill now that the American people are beginning to realize that this is a bad bill", said Rep. Paul. Rep. Paul also stated that the USA Patriot Act was not available to read or study before it was voted on and passed.

Another example cited by Rep. Paul is the recently passed Campaign Finance Reform Bill. This bill will silence groups from reporting on information such as how our federal elected officials have voted on important legislation anytime within 60 days of an election or 45 days before a primary. "Many Congressmen are now saying that they know it is unconstitutional but that is up to the courts. That, to me, is one of the most despicable arguments I've ever heard", said Rep. Paul. "What's the sense of taking an oath of office if you're going to pass things that are unconstitutional and hope the courts will save you from yourself", Rep. Paul continued.

Rep. Paul also pointed out that the United States is currently in a war and invading foreign countries. The only constitutional provision for declaring war rests with Congress. Yet, Congress has not declared a war and refuses to challenge our government's current activities on constitutional grounds or support President Bush by declaring a war.

"What bothers me the most is that there is an assumption in the media that the President can declare war. We should know who the enemy is and what are the objectives, but the media does not ask these questions", stated Rep. Paul