Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Police would be able to secretly search the homes of suspects, tap their phones and track their use of the Internet under anti-terrorism legislation moving toward final approval in the House.
House leaders said the bill will be voted on today, with the Senate expected to take it up later this week. The plan is to get it to President Bush for a possible Friday signing at the White House.
"This legislation is not perfect and the process is not one that all will embrace," said House Judiciary Committee chairman Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis. "However, these are difficult times that require steadfast leadership and an expeditious response. This legislation is desperately needed."
However, there may be a snag on the Senate side. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has threatened to block final approval in the Senate because of a compromise Senate negotiators made to get House approval.
The Senate fix would loosen the so-called McDade amendment, which prevents federal prosecutors from using investigative techniques such as wiretaps or undercover stings, that are disallowed under ethics rules crafted by state and local bar associations, although not barred by federal law.
Highlights of the anti-terrorism bill include:
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