A federal judge ruled Wednesday parts of the Patriot Act are unconstitutional, violating the First and Fourth amendments. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin, a democrat, says he’s long had concerns about the anti-terrorism law and the powers it granted to federal authorities in the months after the 9-11 attacks. Harkin says he did vote for the Patriot Act but upon further review, says he’s “very concerned about a lot of parts of it that take away a lot of our civil liberties.” Harkin has co-sponsored legislation that’s still pending which would limit some provisions of the Patriot Act. He says it does need revision.He says he’s particularly concerned with what are outlined as “First Amendment Zones,” saying he learned in civics class in high school that the entire U.S. is a First Amendment zone, not just little areas where you can peaceably assemble or express yourself.
