Rehberg Games – Five-Time Patriot Act Champion
Day 6: August 6, 2012
A disturbing routine
For Day 6 of these games, we draw attention to Congressman Dennis Rehberg’s familiar support of the controversial Patriot Act. The Congressman’s relationship with the Patriot Act is a routine of twists, turns, and spins that reminds Montanans just how out of touch the Congressman is with Big Sky values.
TWIST: Rehberg turns his back on Montana for five repeat performances–shocking his state by trampling constitutional rights with his support of the unpopular Patriot Act.
- Rehberg even voted for the original Patriot Act, which allowed warrantless searches of homes and businesses. [AP, 10/25/01; HR 3162, Vote 398, 10/24/01]
- Rehberg voted for the Patriot Act four more times. Congressman Rehberg then voted for the Patriot Act an additional three times: twice in 2005 and in 2006. He also voted for its precursor, the Uniting and Strengthening America Act, which was incorporated into the final Patriot Act. [HR 2975, Vote 386, 10/12/01; HR 3162, Vote 398, 10/24/01; HR 3199, Vote 414, 07/21/05; HR 3199, Vote 627, 12/14/05; S 2271, Vote 20, 03/07/06]
TURN: After supporting the unpopular Patriot Act for nearly a decade, Congressman Rehberg performed an incredible turn and voted against the law just two days after announcing his U.S. Senate bid. [HR 514, House Roll Call Vote #26, 2/8/11, HR 514, House Roll Call Vote #36, 2/14/11]. Could it be because Jon Tester, like most Montanans, has consistently opposed the Patriot Act?
SPIN: In a spectator dizzying final spin, Congressman Regberg tells radio listeners during a 2012 interview that the Patriot Act is a “necessary piece of legislation.”
SCORE: Rehberg’s performance makes for a routine of irresponsible decisions and out-of-touch priorities.
THE REPLAY:
- Day 5: Pay Raise Routine
- Day 4: Cartwheels over Cancer Screening
- Day 3: Spy Plane Somersaults
- Day 2: The Head Start Straddle
- Day 1: The Debt Ceiling Dance – A Perfect 10!
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