McConnell didn't offer any comments on the legislation but fast-tracked it, so it could be placed on the Senate's calendar without having to go through the committee process.

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The Kentucky Republican's proposal would “extend authority relating to roving surveillance, access to business records, and individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers,” according to the legislation.

McConnell would extend expiring portions of the act through 2020, well after President Obama leaves the White House.

Provisions of the Patriot Act are currently set to expire June 1. Among them is Section 215, which the National Security Agency has used to authorize the collection of bulk records from millions of U.S. citizens’ phone calls.

McConnell's legislation is co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Burr (R-N.C.), who chairs the Intelligence Committee.