by Larry Abramson and Maria Godoy

Dec. Senate supporters of the law failed to get enough votes to overcome a threatened filibuster. The final vote was 52 47.

Passed in the weeks after the Sept. 11 attacks, the Patriot Act was designed to enhance federal anti terrorism investigations. Sixteen surveillance provisions are set to expire on Dec. 31. But opponents in the Senate said those changes fail to adequately address the civil liberties concerns which those provisions raise.

Below, NPR examines the act's most controversial provisions as they are currently written:

The 'Lone Wolf' Provision

Section 6001 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 allows intelligence investigations of lone terrorists not connected to a foreign nation or organization.

While not part of the Patriot Act, this provision also sunsets on Dec. 31 and is under review. Civil liberties groups say the provision could sweep in protesters and those suspected of involvement in domestic terrorism. Language passed by the Senate Intelligence Committee would make this section permanent.

Sections 203(b) and 203(d) of the Patriot Act are at the heart of the effort to break down the "wall" that used to separate criminal and intelligence investigations. The Justice Department has frequently blamed the wall for the failure to find and detain Sept. 11 hijackers Nawaf al Hazmi and Khalid al Midhar prior to the attacks. CIA agents had information that both men were in the United States and were suspected terrorists, but the FBI says it did not receive that information until August 2001. officials also blame the wall for the failure to fully investigate Zacarias Moussaoui, who has since pleaded guilty in connection with the Sept. 11 plot. The government says that existing procedures made investigators afraid of sharing information between the intelligence and criminal sides of the probe. Supporters say these provisions have greatly enhanced information sharing within the FBI, and with the intelligence community at large.

Civil libertarians say the failure to share information was largely a result of incompetence and misunderstanding

of the law. They warn that the scope of the Patriot Act language is far too broad and encourages

unlimited sharing of information, regardless of the need.

Critics say that investigators should have to explain why information is being shared, and that only information

related to terrorism or espionage cheap jerseys should be released. They warn that unrestricted sharing could lead to the

development of massive databases about innocent citizens.

This provision of the Patriot Act specifically allows "roving wiretaps" against suspected spies and terrorists. Civil liberties groups say the language

of the Patriot Act could lead to privacy violations of anyone who comes into casual contact with the suspect.

They want Congress wholesale nfl jerseys to require investigators to specify just which device is going to be tapped, or that the suspect

be clearly identified, in order to protect the innocent from unwarranted snooping.

Probably the most hotly debated provision of the law, Section 215 has come to be known as the "libraries provision,"

even though it never mentions libraries or bookstores. Civil liberties groups attack the breadth of Cheap Jerseys for sale this section

which allows investigators to obtain "any tangible thing (including books, records, papers, documents and other

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RENTON, Derek Carr Kids Jersey Wash. John Schneider understands the entertainment and excitement when it comes to the first round of the NFL draft.

It's what transpires in those later rounds on the final two days that has separated the Seattle Seahawks from the pack since Schneider and coach Pete Carroll took over in 2010.

"I think the first round is a beautiful thing because it's so exciting and everybody is really into it. It's entertainment. I get it," Schneider said. "But it's all about the work that all the scouts put in throughout the fall, all the way through

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RENTON, Wash. John Schneider understands the entertainment and excitement when it comes to the first round of the NFL draft.

It's what transpires in those later rounds on the final two days that has separated the Seattle Seahawks www.nflraidersofficial.com/Nike-Khalil-Mack-Jersey.html from the pack since Schneider and coach Pete Carroll took over in 2010.

"I think the first round is a beautiful thing because it's so exciting and everybody is really into it. It's entertainment. I Teddy Bridgewater Women Jersey get it," Schneider said. "But it's all about the work that all the scouts put in throughout the fall, all the way through the draft and into rookie free agency."

Schneider and the Seahawks hold the No. 32 pick in the first round, but it's the paltry amount of selections that follow for Seattle that stands out with the draft approaching. The Seahawks hold only six picks heading into Thursday night, and it would be the fewest selections by Seattle since 2006 if that number holds. Schneider and Carroll have made no fewer than nine picks in any of their previous drafts in charge and ended up making 11 selections last year.

The measly number of picks at least in terms of Seattle's recent history has raised speculation Schneider could be looking to move out of the last spot in the first round so he could acquire more selections on Days 2 and 3.

Schneider said even if the Seahawks hold their six picks, it hasn't changed their Teddy Bridgewater Youth Jersey approach to the draft.

"It's just a matter of how it starts coming off," Schneider said. "This year is going to be really unique because of the quarterbacks and how they come off. There are some really talented quarterbacks that should go really high in the draft."

Here are five things to watch as the Seahawks draft as NFL champions for the first time: www.officialfootballjaguars.com/Nike-Blake-Bortles-Jersey.html

Fifth round finds: While Seattle has pulled some gems from the middle rounds, something about the fifth round has proved extremely fruitful for the Seahawks. In 2010, Seattle landed strong safety Kam Chancellor. A year later, it was All Pro cornerback Richard Sherman falling to Seattle in Round 5. And last year, Seattle found value in tight end Luke Willson in the fifth round; he went on to catch 20 passes.

No surprise, Seattle has a pair of fifth round picks.

"I think coach Carroll and his staff have that natural, they played with young players at USC. They're used to it. They don't have a preconceived notion that you need a veteran," Schneider said.

"The easiest thing to do is sign a veteran. The toughest thing to do is sign a young player and coach them up and spend extra time with them and develop them and get them ready to play. And this staff has shown an ability to do that year in and year out."

Line gaps: Seattle will need to fill at least two offensive line spots after right tackle Breno Giacomini and left guard Paul McQuistan left in free agency. Michael Bowie, a seventh round pick last year, will likely get the first shot at right tackle, but filling the guard spot could come from the draft.

The likes of guard Xavier Su'a Filo from UCLA or tackle Morgan Moses from Virginia could possibly be options for Seattle late in the first round.

Big target: Everyone loves big wide receivers, especially Carroll. They were a staple of his offenses at USC and Seattle has tried to emulate that, first with Mike Williams and then Sidney Rice since Carroll arrived.

Carlos Hyde just doesn't get it.

The six foot, 230 pound running back scored 35 touchdowns in his last two years at Ohio State, and he's widely regarded as 2014's best running back prospect. He's a powerful, tackle breaking runner who's "dynamic" after taking contact, according to one scout.

And Blake Bortles Women Jersey in next week's NFL draft, that likely means he will be, at best, a second round pick. In the new, pass happy, rusher by committee NFL, Hyde knows he's destined to plummet on draft day.

"It does kind of bother me," Hyde said. "They (NFL personnel people) don't think we're capable of doing what we know we can do. They're kind of downplaying us."

But the devaluing of the running back isn't changing anytime soon. Last year, not a single running back was selected in the first round. www.officialnflvikingsjerseys.com/Nike-Anthony-Barr-Jersey.html The trend spilled into this offseason, as big name runners such as Chris Johnson and Maurice Jones Drew struggled to find work, while the Giants signed a new lead back, Rashad Jennings, to a meager four year, $10 million deal.

In today's NFL, the dominant running back is no longer viewed as an offensive necessity. While Hyde and others in the 2014 draft class point to Marshawn Lynch's role in Seattle's Super Bowl run, most teams now employ multiple runners.

The 2014 draft is flooded with options for everyone, including the hard running Hyde, versatile Washington runner Bishop Sankey and track stars De'Anthony Thomas of Oregon and Dri Archer of Kent State. But few teams see Adrian Peterson in any of those runners. And because nobody is chasing the chain moving back, everyone can be patient.

"Very few teams need running backs," ESPN NFL draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. said on a conference call. "So you're looking at a second tier need area."

So teams wait, buoyed by the success of late round selections such as Redskins runner Alfred Morris, a two time 1,000 yard rusher chosen in the sixth round. And that leaves this draft's top rushers increasingly frustrated.

"I'm like, 'why in the hell didn't you tell me this a couple of years ago, that running backs are going extinct,' " said Arizona runner Ka'Deem Carey during February's NFL scouting combine. "I'm definitely OK with it. But I definitely would have went to corner or something."

Jeremy Hill, LSU, Sophomore

Hill was heavily questioned about his 2011 arrest and 2013 suspension, but scouts don't expect power back's stock to slide in draft.

Tre Mason, Auburn, Jr.

Quick, instinctive runner who likes to jump cut. Caught ball well at combine, so some will view him as a three down back.

Andre Williams, Boston College, Sr.

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Cruz: Giants should draft Aggies WR Evans

July 23, 2:59PM

NY Giants GM Jerry Reese looking to find a tight end to step out of the shadows

Broncos tight end Julius Thomas emerged from obscurity last year in his third season Khalil Mack Jersey to become one of the top tight ends in the NFL. With the help of Peyton Manning, Thomas caught 65 passes for 788 yards and 14 touchdowns on the way to his first Pro.

A lawsuit filed on behalf Jared Allen Women Jersey of more than 600 former NFL players Tuesday claims that the league illegally supplied them with risky narcotics and other painkillers that numbed their injuries for games and led to medical complications down the road.

The lawsuit alleges that the league obtained and administered the drugs without prescriptions and without warning players of their potential side effects, to speed the return of injured players to the field and maximize profits. Players claim that they were never told about broken legs and ankles and instead were fed pills to mask the pain. One says that instead of surgery, he was given anti inflammatories and skipped practices so he could play in money making games. And others say that after years of free pills from the NFL, they retired from the league addicted to the painkillers.

Although painkillers have been discussed around NFL locker rooms for decades, plaintiffs in this suit give details about which drugs they say teams persuaded them to use and how even severe injuries were covered up temporarily.

Painkillers Percodan, Percocet and Vicodin, anti inflammatories such as Toradol, and sleep aids such as Ambien were "handed out like candy at Halloween," according to lead attorney Steven Silverman. Sometimes, the lawsuit also charges, the drugs were given in combinations Robbie Gould Authentic Jersey as "cocktails."

"The stuff works," former NFL lineman Jeremy Newberry, who played seven of his nine seasons in San Francisco before retiring in 2009, told The Associated Robbie Gould Women Jersey Press in an interview. "It works like crazy. It really does."

Newberry, now 38 and one of the eight plaintiffs named in the lawsuit, says that because of the drugs he took while playing, he suffers from kidney failure, high blood pressure and violent headaches. Others including three members of the www.nflbearsofficial.com/Nike-Lance-Briggs-Jersey.html NFL champion 1985 Chicago Bears: quarterback Jim McMahon, Hall of Fame defensive end Richard Dent and offensive lineman Keith Van Horne reported a range of debilitating effects, from chronic muscle and bone ailments to permanent nerve and organ damage.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, in Atlanta for the league's spring meetings, said Tuesday that league attorneys had not yet studied the lawsuit.

Six of the named plaintiffs in the suit filed in federal court in San Francisco were also parties to the concussion related class action lawsuit less than a year ago. The NFL agreed to pay $765 million to settle that case without acknowledging it concealed the risks of concussions from former players. A federal judge has yet to approve the settlement, expressing concern the amount is too small.

"The difference is that the concussion case claimed the NFL knew or should have known," Silverman said. "We're saying this was intentional, putting profits ahead of players' health and in violation of federal controlled substance laws, as well as state laws. You don't order hundreds of narcotic Jared Allen Youth Jersey painkillers in their names without telling them."

Some of the players said they knew they were taking powerful drugs, but felt they would lose their jobs if they didn't take team officials' advice and use the substances to get back on the field quickly.

The lawsuit covers the years between 1968 and 2008. Silverman said a number of clients reported teams had "tightened up" dispensing procedures since then, including one incident in which a player said a trainer waited until the team plane on a flight home was 10,000 feet in the air before handing over a narcotic "to avoid violating any state laws."

McMahon and Van Horne were among several players who said they were never told about broken bones and fed pills to mask the pain. Toradol, which players called a "full body numb er" and "the current game day drug of choice of the NFL" was prevalent enough that Newberry described frequently seeing both teammates and opponents during warm ups with blood spots on the buttocks of their pants a telltale sign they'd taken a pre game injection.

"There was a room set up near the locker room and you got in line," said Kyle Turley, who played for three NFL teams in an eight year career. "Obviously, we were grown adults and we had a choice. giantsofficialnflonline.com/Nike-Trumaine-Mcbride-Jersey.html But when a team doctor is saying this will take the pain away, you trust them.'

Newberry said he regrets that decision now, but never considered not taking the drugs during his career because he feared he'd be out of a job if he didn't play. After his retirement, a specialist who reviewed his medical records concluded the protein levels in his urine had been elevated a precursor to kidney problems for years. Newberry said he got blood work during a team sponsored physical every year but was never told about any problems.

"They said, You're good to go, you passed another one. You're cleared to play,"' he said.

Silverman said he planned to serve the NFL with the lawsuit within the next 120 days, after which the league has 30 days to respond. The case could be significantly delayed if there are similar filings and the lawsuits are eventually consolidated into a single class action.

"We hope this gets to trial," Silverman said. "I could see a scenario where, if it were to go to discovery, there would be more doctors and trainers taking the Fifth (Amendment) than providing sworn testimony."

December 16th 1945. The Cleveland Rams made a dramatic turnaround from ignited by their Future Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Waterfield. Rebounding from a 4 6 record and fourth place division finish, the Rams were now champions of the Western Conference and on their way to the NFL Championship http://www.nflbearsofficial.com/Nike-Jared-Allen-Jersey.html game versus the Washington Redskins.

Waterfield made All Pro his first season with the Rams. He doubled the passing yardage of Cleveland's quarterback Albie Reisz from the previous year and threw for six more touchdown passes.

The Redskins and Rams boasted the NFL's Brandon Marshall Women Jersey top two ranked offenses. The Redskins won the Eastern Conference on the arm of All World quarterback Sammy Baugh.

Baugh had led the Washington Redskins to an NFL Championship in his rookie season in 1937. He matched the feat in 1942 and had eyes on a third despite facing a hostile environment on a frozen field. It would be the first time in eight years the Redskins had traveled to Cleveland.

Cleveland Rams owner Dan Reeves decided to move the game to Cleveland Stadium, with a capacity of 80,000. Anticipating the hype www.nflbearsofficial.com/Nike-Robbie-Gould-Jersey.html behind the Sammy Baugh vs. Bob Waterfield match up, Reeves hoped to rake in at the box office and turn a profit for a change.

Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. In anticipation of a major winter storm, the field was covered with 9,000 bales of hay upon a tarpaulin to keep the surface from freezing. By game day, Cleveland had received eighteen inches of snow during the week and the thermometer read eight degrees below zero.

Thankfully there was enough manpower available to remove the hay; however trucks struggled to navigate its dispersal. The contingency plan was to pile up the hay bales on the sideline, up to ten bales high to make room for the game to be played.

As the game went on, the hay proved to be a mental respite from the cold for the players on the field, but it wasn't enough to ease the sting of an obscure circumstance that proved to be the difference in the game.

Passing from his own end zone, Sammy Baugh ripped one of his typical throws down the middle but an immovable object got in its way. The goal post.

Positioned in the front of the end zone at the time, Baugh's pass ricocheted off the uprights and bounced out of the back of the end zone. By rule a Safety was awarded to the Brandon Marshall Authentic Jersey Rams and a quick 2 0 lead.

Baugh was quickly bounced from the game due to injury giving full reign to Bob Waterfield to showcase his skills. Despite the elements, Waterfield connected on touchdown passes of thirty Matt Forte Authentic Jersey seven and forty four yards but neither was the most important play of the game.

With the Redskins driving in the final minutes of the game, Washington running back Steve Bagarus found an opening. Able to shed one tackler there was open field ahead along with the go ahead score.

These were the days of ironmen. Waterfield, like Baugh played defensive back as well and was on the field that pivotal play. With one last ditch effort, Waterfield dove and reached out just enough to trip up Bagarus and save the day.

Waterfield was named game MVP leading the Rams to the 15 14 nail biting Matt Forte Women Jersey win. It was the first for Cleveland since the Cleveland Bulldogs won the NFL Championship in 1924 before the days of a championship game.

Weather has not played a role in championship games during the Super Bowl era as it did in the earlier days of professional football. All games were played outdoors, usually in the northeast during the coldest part of the year.

Perhaps we have gotten a bit spoiled with warm climates for Super Bowl games. The NFL apparently feels so. The 2014 Super Bowl will be played outdoors at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on February 2, 2014.

This year's top defensive linemen all have a "but" attached to their description. South Carolina's Jadeveon http://www.nflbearsofficial.com/Nike-Matt-Forte-Jersey.html Clowney is the draft's top prospect but was he just bored last year or is his snap to snap effort a legitimate concern?

Pittsburgh's Aaron Donald is ultra productive but at 285 pounds, can he hold up as an interior player?

Notre Dame's Louis Nix and Florida State's Timmy Jernigan are big bodies but are they strictly players for a 3 4 defensive scheme? Further down the board, Minnesota's Ra'Shede Hageman played 46 games but why is he considered so raw? On and on we could go, which is part of the reason why Clowney and Donald could be the only linemen to go among the top 20 picks.

On the roster: Defensive ends Red Bryant, Chris Clemons, Jason Babin, Tyson Alualu, Andre Branch, Ryan Davis and Gerald Rivers. Defensive tackles Sen'Derrick Marks, Roy Miller, Trumaine McBride Kids Jersey Ziggy Hood, Abry Jones, Jordan Miller and Drake Nevis.

Draft history: The Jaguars have used five first round picks on defensive linemen, more than any other position. On the roster is Alualu (a first rounder in 2010) and Branch (a second rounder in 2012). Everybody else was acquired as a free agent.

Since just last December, the Jaguars signed Marks to a contract extension, re signed Babin and added Bryant, Clemons and Hood to bolster the line. But if Clowney is there at No. 3, they should take him; if they trade down, the Jaguars could target linebacker Khalil Mack, who they view as an end.

1. JADEVEON CLOWNEY, SOUTH CAROLINA, 6 5, 266

The most scrutinized player in the draft. Toyed with blockers at the college level, posting 24 sacks and 23 other tackles for lost yardage in 36 games. A third year junior who turned 21 in February. Played 71.6 percent of snaps last year and had 24 pressures. His 4.53 second 40 at the combine and dazzling pro day solidified his status as the board's top talent. Would be shocking if he isn't taken in top two.

2. AARON DONALD, PITTSBURGH, 6 1, 285 Lance Briggs Youth Jersey

The top defensive tackle available and a great fit in a 4 3 scheme. Won Outland Trophy as nation's top lineman following eight sack, 45 pressure senior year. Led nation with 28.5 tackles for lost yardage. Was dominant at the Senior Bowl and hasn't taken a step back. Ran 4.68 in the 40 at combine, best among defensive tackles. Scouts love his ability to provide an interior pass rush.

3. LOUIS NIX, NOTRE DAME, 6 2, 331

The Jacksonville native and Raines High alum could be the first nose tackle drafted. Completely scheme specific look for a 3 4 team to take him. . Third year junior who turns 23 on July 31. Limited to eight games last year because of meniscus issue in knee. Ran 5.36 seconds in the 40 at pro day. Moves well for a big guy. Could go to San Diego at No. 25 overall.

4. TIMMY JERNIGAN, FLORIDA STATE, 6 2, 298

Anchored the Seminoles' defensive line on way to 14 0 season. Lake City native who had 4.5 sacks and 11 pressures last year. Was FSU's best defensive player in title game win over Auburn (nine tackles). Of his 40 games, only 16 came as a starter. Can shed blocks and run down plays along the line of scrimmage. Projections have run gamut, the top 20 to early in the second round.

5. STEPHEN TUITT, NOTRE DAME, 6 5, Lance Briggs Kids Jersey 304

A versatile player who the Jaguars think could play all four spots along their defensive line. Visited Jacksonville on April 9. Second team All American as a sophomore (12 sacks). Played whopping 80.8 percent of Notre Dame's snaps last year. Didn't run at combine because of broken foot that required surgery. Long arms help him gain advantage. Had 21.5 sacks and 127 tackles in 35 career games.

Sapp: The film is a shame. I'm ashamed to Trumaine McBride Youth Jersey look at it. I have to push pause and get up and walk around the room and calm myself down because I'm like 'Are you kidding me?' There's no way this kid is allowing this tape to be sent around the country, buddy. It's what's going on.