http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/04/05/patriot.act.ap/index.html
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Bush administration’s two top law enforcement officials on Tuesday urged Congress to renew every provision of the anti-terror Patriot Act.
FBI Director Robert Mueller also asked lawmakers to expand the bureau’s ability to obtain records without first asking a judge.
“Now is not the time for us to be engaging in unilateral disarmament” on the legal weapons now available for fighting terrorism, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said. He said that some of the most controversial provisions of the Patriot Act have proven invaluable in fighting terrorism and aiding other investigations.
“It’s important that these authorities remain available,” Gonzales told the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Mueller said sections of the law that allow intelligence and law enforcement agencies to share information are especially important.
“Experience has taught the FBI that there are no neat dividing lines that distinguish criminal, terrorist and foreign intelligence activity,” Mueller said in his prepared testimony.
He also asked Congress to expand the FBI’s administrative subpoena powers, which allow the bureau to obtain records without approval or a judge or grand jury.