President Obama extends Patriot Act President Obama extends Patriot Act. Congress on Thursday approved a four-year extension to key provisions of the Patriot Act that continue the ability of federal investigators to use aggressive surveillance tactics in connection with suspected terrorists. Congress on Thursday approved a four-year extension to key provisions of the Patriot Act that continue the ability of federal investigators to use aggressive surveillance tactics in connection with suspected terrorists. Overcoming objections from a bipartisan clutch of libertarian-minded lawmakers, the legislation passed the Senate, 72-23, and the House, 250-153. Lawmakers faced a midnight deadline to pass an extension before the provisions expire. President Obama is attending a summit in France, but aides said he would direct aides to have the bill signed by an autopen machine that holds a pen and signs his actual signature. Some supporters had warned that any interruption in the law could have di...