Why Do Republicans Support The So Called "Patriot Act"?

I consider myself a conservative and this seems to be the opposite of what republicans claim they stand for. They claim they are for smaller government and less spending. They swore an oath to protect the Constitution. How can they continue to pass legislation that is a direct assault on our civil liberties and give more unchecked power, effectively increasing the size and scope of government and spending. Even 44 of the new so called "Tea Party" candidates voted to extend three provisions of the Patriot Act last night in a direct assault on the 4th amendment. These are liberties our founding fathers fought for and so many brave Americans have lost there lives protecting. What's sad is they rammed it through Obama style, not allowing any debate or amendments. Do the republicans really believe we should trade our liberties for so called "security"? At least Rand Paul hasn't buckled yet. Check out his video on the subject. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSDBswx90Cs