Independent Rep. Bernie Sanders introduced legislation to repeal a section of the USA Patriot Act that lets the government secretly view records of materials checked out of public libraries or bought in bookstores and observe Web activity on library computers.
The law passed shortly after the terrorist attacks allows the government to obtain search warrants from a special court to view business records, including those of libraries. It also forbids librarians or booksellers to talk about any investigations.
"The threat of terrorism must not be used as an excuse by the government to intrude on our basic constitutional rights," Sanders said.
Some libraries have posted signs warning people to "act appropriately" because federal agents could be monitoring their Internet habits, passwords and e-mail content, said Emily Sheketoff, executive director of the American Library Association.
Justice Department spokesman Mark Corallo said one impetus behind the provision was the discovery that some hijackers had used public library computers to carry out their attack planning.
"The Patriot Act has been an invaluable tool in our efforts to prevent terrorist attacks against innocent Americans," he said.
Corallo pointed out that the law only applies to agents of a foreign power or a member of a terrorist organization, though opponents argue that the definition could be broadened to include many people.
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