Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Senate sent President Bush a package of anti-terror measures Thursday that give police sweeping new powers to search people’s homes and business records secretly and to eavesdrop on telephone and computer conversations.
Bush said he will sign the bill "so that we can combat terrorism and prevent future attacks."
The Senate approved the bill 98-1 a day after the House signed on. But lawmakers, worried about possible abuse of the new wiretapping and surveillance powers, decided to place a four-year cap on that part of the legislation.
"It gives us the time to investigate whether there are any outrageous abuses," Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said.
The legislation, somewhat weakened from the administration’s original proposal, expands the FBI’s wiretapping and electronic surveillance authority and imposes stronger penalties for harboring or financing terrorists. It also expands the number of crimes considered terrorist acts and increases the punishment for committing them.
Attorney General John Ashcroft said the Justice Department will begin using the new powers immediately.
Highlights of the bill:
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