Patriot Act extension mulled over by U.S. lawmakers

Patriot Act extension on some of the law's key provisions is up for a vote in the U.S. Congress as lawmakers tiptoe the fine line between upholding privacy rights and meeting anti-terror goals.

Wiretaps to spy on communication devices, access to business documents and surveillance of co-called "Lone Wolf" terror suspects were all meant to expire after a set period because of fears that they encroach on liberty and privacy of American citizens.

The provisions were built into the Patriot Act of 2001 so that U.S. law enforcers and security personnel can identify suspects and prevent plots in the wake of the September 11 terror attacks.

Ten years hence, the provisions are considered by many intelligence and security officials as still vital in thwarting plots against U.S. civilians and infrastructure.

Congress can give the approval by midnight for the Patriot Act extension that will allow the anti-terror tools to be implemented legally for another four years.

"Should the authority to use these critical tools expire, our nation's intelligence and law enforcement professionals will have less capability than they have today to detect terrorist plots," national intelligence director James Clapper said in a letter to lawmakers.

Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky has been critical of the planned Patriot Act extension because many of its provisions are allegedly in violation of constitutional rights to privacy.

Other lawmakers were supportive of the amendments pushed by Paul including increasing oversight and audits on surveillance activities.

Even with the disagreements and with the deadline looming, it is more likely that Congress would approve of the Patriot Act extension because the alternative is perceived much more dangerous for America.