:The Obama administration is actually working hard to get all expiring sections renewed before the Dec 31 deadline.  It will be difficult, because of the holidays.  However, Congress is just as interested in keeping (if not increasing) the power of the Patriot Act as the President is.  The main debate now is the spending increases.  The Democrats want to funnel the money into companies and friends that support the Democrats.  The Republicans want to funnel the money into companies and friends that support the Republicans.  Nobody gets money if they don't come to an agreement.  So, expect them to finish it up on Dec 30 and renew the whole thing on Dec 31.