On March 15, the authority for Section 215 of the USA PATRIOT Act formally expired. This is one of the provisions that spawned the Edward Snowden leaks back in 2013 and drew the American people’s attention to the scope of abuses perpetrated by the intelligence community. Though some reforms have been made, many in Congress still stand by the program despite the revelations.

This week has marked a significant turning point in American attitudes regarding the coronavirus crisis and, more significantly, the stay-at-home orders that have swept our nation and devastated our economy. Such orders have mandated certain activities -- often under threat of criminal penalty -- and required closure of businesses deemed “nonessential” by various government officials.

Some of the largest expansions of government power and unconstitutional abuses have come during times of pressing crises, not unlike the coronavirus. The government routinely tries to paper over these abuses by saying they are temporary, and that anyone who resists is guilty of making the present crisis worse. It’s the same story over and over again.

The left-wing of American politics is an angry place. We see stories of them practically burning down college campuses to shut down speakers who dare question their orthodoxy. They constantly decry the ever-creeping threat of fascism or the end of American democracy if they don’t win power. Looking at the landscape of American politics it is truly baffling to try and understand why the left is this way.

FreedomWorks is proud to honor Sen. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) as our member of the month for February 2020. Representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the United States Senate since 2011, Sen. Toomey becomes our first-ever senator to be recognized as member of the month. This is well-deserved, as his principles, intellect, and compassion suit him well to represent his constituents and defend liberty, on everything from healthcare and taxes to trade and spending.