Terror Act Has Lasting Effects
Surveillance and Privacy from Government
'But the Dec. 2005 expiration date embedded in the USA Act -- which the Senate approved 98 to 1 on Thursday -- applies only to a tiny part of the mammoth bill.'

'After the president signs the measure on Friday, police will have the permanent ability to conduct Internet surveillance without a court order in some circumstances, secretly search homes and offices without notifying the owner, and share confidential grand jury information with the CIA.'

'Also exempt from the expiration date are investigations underway by Dec. 2005, and any future investigations of crimes that took place before that date.'

I withdraw my formerly stated pleasure with the expiration provisions. The article contains a lengthly list of other provisions that don't expire, either. Bleh.