a little slight of hand...

While Saddam was Captured: Stealth enactment of the "Patriot II" legislation

Various Sources

While CNN and other media outlets are rejoicing because of the capture of Saddam Hussein, Bush again introduced new legislation last Saturday which increased the federal powers to investigate and reduces the privacy rights of American citizens :

H.R. 2417, INTELLIGENCE AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT OF 2004

Whitehouse Statement on HR 2417 (December 13, 2003)
www.whitehouse.gov...

HR 2417 was cleared by the Congress on November 21, 2003
www.cbo.gov...

Comments of Ron Paul, Congressman for Texas on HR 2417 :
It appears we are witnessing a stealth enactment of the enormously unpopular "Patriot II" legislation that was first leaked several months ago. Perhaps the national outcry when a draft of the Patriot II act was leaked has led its supporters to enact it one piece at a time in secret. Whatever the case, this is outrageous and unacceptable. I urge each of my colleagues to join me in rejecting this bill and its incredibly dangerous expansion of Federal police powers.

www.fas.org...

Bush signs bill extending FBI powers

Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- President Bush has signed legislation making it easier for FBI agents investigating terrorism to demand financial records from casinos, car dealerships, and other businesses.

The changes were included in a bill authorizing 2004 intelligence programs. Most of the details of the bill are secret, including the total cost of the programs, which are estimated to be about $40 billion. That would be slightly more than Bush had requested.

Bush signed the bill Saturday, the White House announced.

The bill expands the number of businesses from which the FBI and other US authorities conducting intelligence work can demand financial records without seeking court approval.

Under current law, "national security letters" can be issued to traditional financial institutions, such as banks and credit unions, to require them to turn over information. The bill expands the definition of financial institution to include other businesses that deal with large amounts of cash.

Supporters of the change say it will help authorities identify money laundering and other activities that fund terrorism. But some lawmakers and civil liberties advocates say the change does not provide enough safeguards to ensure that authorities will not violate the privacy of innocent people.

In other provisions, the bill:

Requires the CIA director to prepare a report as soon as possible on what intelligence agencies have learned from their experiences in Iraq.

Creates a Treasury Department office to work with intelligence agencies on fighting terrorist financing.

Creates pilot programs to share raw data between agencies.

Authorizes agencies to continue research on computerized terrorism surveillance suspended by the Pentagon.

� Copyright 2003 Globe Newspaper Company.

Bleah.

Yes, I'd heard of it and forgotten that it was working its way through the system. On one hand, I can see that law enforcement agencies might like to be able to pull records of this kind -- but it's something that's so easily abused without a very strong oversight.

Another reason to save up some bucks to send in as a campaign contribution to whoever emerges as the front runner for the Democrats in the next election.