U.S. Lawmakers Working Long Hours To Extend Key Patriot Act Provisions

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- United States Senators worked late Friday night and into Saturday morning, but failed to work out a deal on government surveillance programs.

Lawmakers blocked votes on both a House-passed bill and a short-term extension of the Patriot Act provisions. These provisions allow the government to access private information.

Those for the bill say they will lose valuable surveillance tools if the programs expire. Minnesota Senator Al Franken says the bill will balance security and privacy for the American People.

"My belief has always been in order to strike that balance, and for Americans to know if we are striking that balance properly, there needs to be more transparency," Sen. Franken said.

The Senate will meet again on Sunday, one week before the law is set to expire.