Homeland Security

DATE=4/19/04

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH TERROR (L O)

NUMBER=2-315182

BYLINE=PAULA WOLFSON

DATELINE= WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush focussed on the war on terrorism in a speech Monday in Pennsylvania, an important state in his re-election campaign. V-O-A's Paula Wolfson reports Mr. Bush called on Congress to renew the controversial law, the U-S-A Patriot Act, which he says will help America stay strong and resolute in the face of a continuing terrorist threat.

TEXT: The president says the government needs certain tools to protect the American people. High on his list is the U-S-A Patriot Act.

It is a law passed by Congress in the wake of the September 11th 2001 terrorist attacks, which contains steps that make it easier for law enforcement and intelligence agencies to share information. It also includes provisions that expand the use of wiretaps and search warrants, and increase electronic surveillance of suspected terrorists.

Critics, including some members of the president's own political party, say the Patriot Act goes too far and threatens individual liberties. They say they want to block or at least delay congressional action when key parts of the law come up for renewal next year. Mr. Bush says they are wrong, and calls the measure "essential law."

/// BUSH ACT ///

We have got to be vigilant against terror at all costs. And there is only one path to safety and that is the path of action. We must act with the Patriot Act. We must continue to stay on the offensive.

/// END ACT ///

Mr. Bush says the entire law should be made permanent. He suggests that Congress made some of the law's key provisions subject to renewal because some lawmakers thought the terrorist threat would be short lived.

/// 2nd BUSH ACT///

The problem is that the war on terror continues and yet some senators and congressmen not only want to let the provisions expire, they want to roll back some of the permanent features. And it doesn't make any sense. We can't return to the days of false hope.

/// END ACT ///

The remarks came in a speech to a convention of local government officials in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The president is expected to deliver a similar message Tuesday at an event in Buffalo, New York. (SIGNED)

NEB/PW/KL/FC