More wiretaps and secret searches, government access to credit reports and other personal records, a database of DNA samples, and provisions allowing the Attorney General to revoke the U.S. citizenship of anyone who provides assistance to a group the U.S. government considers a “terrorist” organization are just some of the proposals readying for Congressional consideration as part of a new, second Patriot Act.

The first USA Patriot Act sailed through Congress after the 9/11 terrorist attacks without much opposition. It might not be as easy this time around. Opposition is fierce and has forged alliances within a diverse group of advocacy groups, among them the ACLU and Gun Owners of America.

Click the “Listen” link above to hear if basic human rights protections in the United States are slipping away and whether the threat of terrorism leaves no other alternatives.

Guests:

Gail Chaddock, covers Congress for the Christian Science Monitor

Tim Lynch, Director of the Cato Institute’s Project on Criminal Justice and author of “Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Preserving Our Liberties While Fighting Terrorism”

Orin Kerr, Professor of Law at George Washington University

Steven Brill, contributing editor of Newsweek magazine and author of new book “After: How America Confronted the Sept. 12 Era”