Senators Propose Curbs on Patriot Act

Specter-Feinstein Bill Would Limit Warrants, Wiretaps in Terror Probes

By Dan Eggen and Charles Babington

Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, July 14, 2005; Page A23

Two senior members of the Senate Judiciary Committee introduced legislation yesterday that would lead to more restrictions on the government's powers under the USA Patriot Act, setting the stage for a protracted legislative battle in coming months over the controversial anti-terrorism law.

The proposal by Sens. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) and Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) would scale back a law that the administration seeks to keep largely intact. But it also attracted immediate criticism from civil liberties advocates who say it does not adequately rein in the government's activities.