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  Obama "autopens" Patriot Act extension into law
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ContributorBrandonius Maximus 
Last EditedBrandonius Maximus  May 27, 2011 11:06am
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CategoryNews
AuthorCBS/AP
MediaTV News - Columbia Broadcasting System CBS News
News DateFriday, May 27, 2011 05:05:00 PM UTC0:0
DescriptionWASHINGTON — President Obama has taken advantage of a little-known and infrequently used device called an autopen to put his signature on legislation extending the government's post-Sept. 11 powers to search records and conduct roving wiretaps in pursuit of terrorists for anther four years.

Earlier on Thursday, Congress passed a four-year extension of the Patriot Act. Votes taken in rapid succession in the Senate and House came after lawmakers rejected attempts to temper the law enforcement powers to ensure that individual liberties are not abused.

Following the 250-153 evening vote in the House, the legislation to renew three terrorism-fighting authorities was sent to the President's office for a signature with only hours to go before the provisions were due to expire at midnight.

With Obama currently in France at a G-8 summit, the White House said the president had instructed use of the autopen machine, which holds a pen and signs his actual signature. It is only used with proper authorization of the president. Obama was awakened at 5:45 a.m. in France so that he could review and approve the bill and authorize his signature, the White House said.
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