Hatch voted for the authorization and said the legislation just codified what has been existing law and would not suspend habeas corpus, which prevents a person from being imprisoned without sufficient cause or evidence.

"Our rights are protected," said Hatch, drawing some boos from the audience.

Liljenquist disagreed with Hatch and said the law could be used by police to detain citizens without charges. "It should cause us all concern" he said. "It is what they do in China and what Pinochet did and King George. ...The Bill of Rights allows us to face our accuser because of habeas corpus. We are innocent until proven guilty."