PRESIDENT BUSH HAS SIGNED INTO LAW AN ANTI-TERRORISM BILL THAT GIVES SWEEPING NEW POWERS TO POLICE FORCES & INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES

From Page 1 News
Oct. 26, 2001

President Bush has signed into law an anti-terrorism bill that gives sweeping new powers to police forces and intelligence agencies.

At a White House signing ceremony, he said: "The changes effective today will help counter a threat like no other our nation has faced."

The legislation gives the police and the FBI more leeway to secretly search people's homes and business records. It also gives them more power to eavesdrop on telephone conversations and electronic communications, share intelligence and detain suspected terrorists who enter the United States.

The bill increases the number of crimes considered terrorist acts and toughens the punishment for committing them, as well as imposing stronger penalties on those harboring or financing terrorists.

Mr Bush said the legislation was essential not only to assist the pursuit and punishment of terrorists, but also to prevent more atrocities.

Senate leader Tom Daschle said: "This government will enforce this law with all the urgency of a nation at war."

Attorney General John Ashcroft has said the Justice Department will begin using the new powers immediately.

The House of Representatives and the Senate approved Mr Bush's anti-terrorism package in less than two months, bypassing much of the normal committee process.

Civil liberties groups remain critical of the new measures.

Ralph Neas, President of People For the American Way "It is still dangerous legislation, and unfortunately there are still too many weaknesses in the bill that could end up curbing and infringing fundamental civil rights and liberties."