The SAFE Acts of 2005: H.R. 1526 and S. 737 - A Sketch

RS22140 -- The SAFE Acts of 2005: H.R. 1526 and S. 737 -- A Sketch

May 9, 2005

Summary

Somewhat different SAFE Acts have been introduced in both the House and Senate: S. 737, the Security and Freedom Enhancement Act of 2005 (introduced by Senator Craig) and H.R. 1526, the Security and Freedom Ensured Act of 2005 (introduced by Representative Otter). Although the Senate bill is more detailed, they address many of the same issues, most of which relate to the USA PATRIOT Act -- roving Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) wiretaps, delayed notification of "sneak and peek" search warrants, library and similar exemptions from FISA tangible item orders and communications related to national security letters, the definition of "domestic terrorism," and expansion of the sunset provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act.

This report is an abridged version -- without footnotes and citations -- of CRS Report RL32907, Security and Freedom Ensured Act of 2005 (SAFE Act)(H.R. 1526) and Security and Freedom Enhancement Act of 2005 (SAFE Act)(S. 737): Section by Section Analysis.