May 22, 2005

The Honorable Dianne Feinstein
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC

Dear Senator Feinstein:

The League of Women Voters of California voted unanimously at its biennial convention today to petition you to use your influence in ensuring that the markup session on the USA PATRIOT Act before the Senate Intelligence Committee will not be held behind closed doors.

In this time of fear of terrorism and concern over the erosion of our civil liberties, the issue of openness in government has never been more critical. If there are issues that must remain out of the public eye in the interests of security, surely the process by which those issues are addressed by Congress, and the rules that administrative agencies follow, ought to be known in a democracy.

The enclosed resolution was passed by the delegates to our convention, representing 69 Leagues throughout California.

We very much appreciate your leadership in the Senate and your role as our representative.

Sincerely,

Jacqueline Jacobberger
President

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