Senate returns to Patriot Act extension next week

The Senate Judiciary Committee will return next week to resume its consideration of a three-year extension of Patriot Act surveillance authorities, just days after agreeing with the House to a three-month extension.

The committee will meet on March 3 to mark up S. 193, the Patriot Act extension bill supported by committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). Leahy's bill would extend the government's authorities to access business records, conduct roving wiretaps and monitor individual terrorists until the end of 2013, and would also increase oversight of these activities.

But the Senate is known to be split on how to proceed with a longer extension. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) earlier this year proposed a straight extension, which the Obama administration supports. And Judiciary Committee ranking member Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) prefers a permanent extension.

While Senate Democrats seem eager to move a longer Patriot Act extension, the House might take a slower road. House Democrats hotly opposed any extension until thorough hearings are held, and Republicans promised to hold hearings during the three-month extension.

The surveillance authorities expire Feb. 28, and the extension approved by the House and Senate would extend that until May 27.

As of Friday morning, President Obama had not signed the extension, but is expected to, possibly over the weekend.