House Tackles Patriot Act Vote … Again

On Monday, House Republicans will make a second run at passing a 10 month extension of the Patriot Act. Last week, supporters tried to fast-track the extension under a suspension vote - which requires little to no debate, but a two-thirds majority to pass. More than two dozen Republicans voted no, leaving the leadership with an embarrassing loss.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., the Majority Whip, blames the 36 Democrats who had previously voted for the Act but voted no last week.

McCarthy argues that the measures in question simply provide the same tools that police officers "use to track the mob," and that Democrats are "playing politics with America's security."

Following the loss, Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, said, "It's a victory to block the reauthorization."

Kucinich says opponents of the Act are focusing on what they have in common. "There was a coalition of Democrats and some Tea Party members who have come together on this issue of civil liberties and privacy for Americans," according to Kucinich. He believes the initial failure to fast-track reauthorization of the Patriot Act will lead to a more thorough debate about its flaws.

Republicans say they welcome the discussion, which is slated to begin on the House floor around 5 p.m. Monday.

GOP leaders admit the initial Act was passed quickly, and needs to be re-evaluated after roughly a decade in existence.

Monday's vote, expected sometime after 6:30 p.m., will require only a simple majority. McCarthy says he'll be watching to see how his colleagues across the aisle handle the debate, and has just one question, "Are we going to be serious with America's security and protecting all Americans?"