GOP leaders told Bush that his hardcore push to renew the more onerous provisions of the act could further alienate conservatives...

"I don't give a goddamn," Bush retorted. "I'm the President and the Commander-in-Chief. Do it my way."

"Mr. President," one aide in the meeting said. "There is a
valid case that the provisions in this law undermine the Constitution."

"Stop throwing the Constitution in my face," Bush screamed back. "It's just a goddamned piece of paper!"

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House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi's statement on the partisan USA Patriot Act House-Senate conference report.

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President Bush is urging Congress to reach agreement on
reauthorizing the Patriot Act — a law that he says is essential to fighting terrorism, but liberal and conservative critics say is a threat to individual liberties.