madam speaker , i rise today to address the many troubling issues associated with the reauthorization of the patriot act .  following the 9/11 terrorist attacks , this congress was faced with the difficult task of revamping our intelligence system .  however , the patriot act is flawed with over-reaching provisions that lack the safeguards to prevent abuse .  americans deserve a bill that successfully prevents attacks against our country , while protecting our constitutional rights .  we must address the authority this bill gives , and how it may negatively impact americans .  most of the provisions within the patriot act are positive measures that successfully protect american citizens .  however , we can not ignore the provisions that create serious privacy and civil liberty abuses .  these include : permitting large-scale investigation of americans for `` intelligence purposes. '' having minimal judicial supervision on wiretaps .  allowing the indefinite detention of non-deportable aliens , even if they are not terrorist suspects .  the power to conduct secret searches without having to notify the target of the search .  and the ability to designate domestic groups as terrorist organizations .  america was built on the notion of strong protection for our privacy and civil liberties .  now is the time to protect our citizens from terrorism while putting forth meaningful reforms .  