Obama Demands Mitch McConnell Work Through Recess To Extend Patriot Act Provisions

Speaking in the Oval Office today, President Obama criticized the Senate for failing to pass an extension of the Patriot Act provisions, calling on lawmakers to work through recess to address the important legislation.

“I strongly urge the Senate to work through this recess and identify a way to get this done,” Obama told reporters after a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, encouraging them to pass the House version of the USA Freedom Act.

The Senate effort to pass the legislation was stalled after Sen. Rand Paul filibustered the bill right before the Congressional Memorial Day recess. On Saturday, a vote for the Patriot Act extensions failed by a 45-54 vote. Eight Republican Senators voted against the legislation, while 45 Democrats and one Independent voted against the extensions.

McConnell is expected to call senators back from recess on Sunday to attempt to extend the program before it expires next Monday.

“This needs to get done,” Obama said, highlighting the importance of the Patriot Act extensions calling them “necessary to keep American people safe and secure.”