Reps. Tobocman, Gieleghem, Woodward, Daniels, Zelenko, Minore, Kolb, Whitmer, Williams, Byrum, Waters, Drolet, Accavitti, Bieda, Farrah, Vagnozzi, Stallworth, Paletko, Hardman, Adamini, Brandenburg, Brown, Clack, Condino, Dennis, DeRossett, Ehardt, Farhat, Garfield, Gillard, Gleason, Jamnick, Lipsey, McConico, Murphy, Phillips and Woronchak offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 157.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to amend the USA PATRIOT Act to ensure national security without eroding civil liberties.

            Whereas, The USA PATRIOT Act enacted by Congress and signed into law was a quick response to the terrorism of September 11, 2001; and

            Whereas, The way in which the Justice Department continues to handle this law furthers the belief that we have upset the delicate balance of our system of government by eroding civil liberties in many situations.  Specifically, such policies as conducting sweeping searches and surveillance without reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, the indefinite incarceration of people without access to counsel, and law enforcement access to personal information with few judicial protections are very troublesome to those who treasure civil liberties; and

            Whereas, Many people in Michigan, a state rich in the diversity of its people, also are disturbed by actions and investigations that seem to be more centered on religious and ethnic groups than criminal activities.  Eroding civil liberties and civil rights by targeting certain ethnic and religious groups can lead to mistrust and fear of our government and law enforcement and undermine our efforts to encourage cooperation and keep America safe; and

            Whereas, Chipping away at the rights and process that are central to our national character is not what will make America stronger in the face of terrorism.  Balance should be brought to the provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act to provide appropriate protections for our country without destroying human rights in a nation that clearly can do both; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to review provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act that curtail protections to our safety by violating our civil liberties; and be it further

            Resolved, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to amend the USA PATRIOT Act to ensure national security without eroding civil liberties; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.