posted on Jun, 5 2003 @ 06:46 PM
I'm sure you're all happy to hear this.
WASHINGTON, June 5 � Attorney General John Ashcroft urged Congress on Thursday to expand the USA Patriot Act to permit the government to hold more
suspects indefinitely and to extend the death penalty to more people accused of terrorist crimes. He also said the law, which critics say is eroding
citizens� legitimate rights, needs to be expanded to allow charges against anyone who helps or works with suspected terrorist groups as �material
supporters.�
House Democrats, meanwhile, complained about the way the Justice Department has used its current anti-terrorism powers, especially considering a
department inspector general report Tuesday that criticized the government�s treatment of illegal immigrants held after the attacks.
While critics complain that civil liberties are being curtailed by the anti-terrorism law, Ashcroft said without it there might have been another
major attack.
The law expires in October 2005.
www.msnbc.com...