A tentative deal to extend the government's antiterrorism powers under the law known as the USA Patriot Act appeared in some jeopardy Thursday, as Senate Democrats threatened to mount a filibuster in an effort to block the legislation.

I'm glad they narrowed the National Security Letters but I'm not sure this bill really meets muster. This is one environment where the filibuster may be an honorable thing to do. On the other hand, it may just be a way of extending the existing law without the changes while creating the appearance of discourse.

Extension of Patriot Act Faces Threat of Filibuster