Rep. Cole Votes for Patriot Act Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Congressman Tom Cole voted for the USA PATRIOT and Terrorism Prevention Reauthorization Conference Report (H.R. 3199), which passed in the House today. This legislation reauthorizes the PATRIOT Act, passed in 2001, to help prevent future terrorist acts in our country.

"This legislation ensures that our law enforcement personnel will continue to have the tools they need to fight terrorism and prevent future attacks," Congressman Cole said. "In a post-September 11, 2001 world it is vital that we take every precaution necessary to protect our country."

H.R. 3199 removes legal barriers that previously prevented law enforcement, intelligence and national defense communities from coordinating their work. It makes permanent 14 of the 16 expiring PATRIOT Act provisions and places a 4-year sunset on the other two provisions. In addition, the conference report contains new provisions to protect Americans’ civil liberties as well as important provisions to address the growing problem presented by methamphetamine.

“The growing availability of methamphetamine represents a clear and present danger to our nation’s children. Although Oklahoma has already enforced strict regulations to prevent meth production, this bill will help reduce the supply of this deadly drug nation-wide. It will also stiffen existing penalties for anyone caught producing or trafficking methamphetamine."

The Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act, included in the conference report on H.R. 3199, will restrict the sale of the over-the-counter medicines used to produce meth. This legislation will also toughen federal penalties for methamphetamine traffickers and smugglers as well as those who produce or deal meth in the presence of children.

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