A bipartisan group of U.S. senators did Americans a favor by balking at a proposed extension of the USA Patriot Act, the sweeping anti-terrorism law hurriedly passed after the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

The Patriot Act expanded the power of federal law-enforcement agencies to gather information secretly through wiretaps, records and property searches, and other means. Congress set an expiration date for the law at the end of this year, giving members an opportunity to make improvements. The proposed extension would largely squander that opportunity.

The senators - three Republicans and three Democrats - wisely seek more checks and balances on Patriot Act powers from the courts and Congress. They want stronger assurances that those powers are used against suspected terrorists, and not abused for routine surveillance of ordinary Americans. And they want another expiration date in four years on the powers that allow the feds to seize business records and use ''roving wiretaps,'' to give Congress another chance to evaluate them.

Those who would renew the Patriot Act without real changes argue that federal agencies have been responsible in using their expanded powers. That's no guarantee that future administrations won't abuse those powers, without robust checks and balances.

Opposition from senators forced congressional leaders to delay action on the Patriot Act extension until next month. That means there's still time to improve the law. Congress can protect Americans without needlessly endangering their cherished liberties.