Bush Signs Bill Expanding U.S. Anti-Terrorism Powers (Update2)

Bloomberg ^ | Saturday, October 27, 2001 | By Richard Keil

[JohnHuang2]

Washington, Oct. 26 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush signed legislation expanding the federal government's power to detain suspected terrorists, tap their phones, and crack down on money laundering.

In pushing for the new law, Attorney General John Ashcroft overcame criticism from civil rights groups that said the legislation gives federal prosecutors too much authority at the expense of individuals' rights.

[rack42]

`Today we've taken an essential step in defeating terrorism,'' Bush said

I cannot describe the anger that I feel.

If only my anger had the energy of...

[ken21]

Ashcroft said he's using ``all our weapons within the law'' to fight terrorism. He compared his situation to that faced in the early 1960s by Attorney General Robert Kennedy when his brother, President John F. Kennedy, launched a major offensive against organized crime.

ouch.

[rack42]

He compared his situation to that faced in the early 1960s by Attorney General Robert Kennedy when his brother, President John F. Kennedy, launched a major offensive against organized crime.

Gee, they didn't need this sort of legislation. How cum?

(...simmering...)

[GalvestonBeachcomber]

Remember the FBI records starring Bill and Hillary? With expanded powers the future Clinton-equivalents will have a field day.