E.J. Dionne Questions Patriotism of Congressional Majority

Dionne's column on the Patriot Act ends with these words:

Because Sununu, Feingold and their allies stood up, the checks and balances we regularly praise as part of our constitutional system are, once again, alive and well. It's the act one would expect from patriots.

Its all well and good to praise those who voted against renewing the Patriot Act.  But isn't he kinda questioning the patriotism of those who voted for it?  Just asking.