Senate Panel Votes to Expand FBI Investigative Powers

WASHINGTON — The Bush Administration appears to have succeeded in getting its “wish list” of changes to the 2001 Patriot Act.

In a closed-door meeting, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has approved a bill that would renew — and expand — key provisions of the anti-terrorism law.

While reporters were barred from the secret session, word quickly leaked out that the proposal would make it easier for the FBI to attain “administrative subpoenas” allowing it to conduct covert investigations without the consent or approval of a judge or grand jury.

The measure would give the FBI broad power to force Internet service providers as well as other businesses and institutions to hand over information on customers.

The bill also would allow the FBI to designate such investigations as secret — thereby barring the ISPs from telling customers they are taking place — and make disclosure to customers punishable by up to five years in prison.

While administrative subpoenas would require the approval of FBI Director Robert Mueller or his senior aides, who also would have to report how the subpoenas were being used twice annually to Congress, civil libertarians say such requirements don’t go far enough to protect individual rights.

"Today’s secret vote was a failure for the Fourth Amendment, the American people, and the very freedoms we hold dear,” Lisa Graves, senior counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, said.

“This power would let agents seize personal records … without any specific facts connecting those records to any criminal activity. … Americans have a reasonable expectation that their federal government will not gather records about their health, their wealth and the transactions of their daily life without probable cause of a crime and without a court order.”

The bill must now go before the full Senate for approval.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Madi Collins Signs Exclusive Contract With Vixen Media Group

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has signed Madi Collins to an exclusive contract.

Zariah Aura Leads Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Summer Col and Robby Apples in the latest release from Transfixed, titled “Catching His Cheating Girlfriend.”

Yhivi Stars in 'Pornstar Matchmaker: Episode 2' From Brazzers

Yhivi stars with Ryan Reid and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the second episode of the new Brazzers series, “Pornstar Matchmaker.”

Penny Barber Featured in Latest From Kink.com

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Max Mabry in the new scene from Kink.com, titled “Mommy’s Cock-Hungry Hole.”

River Lynn Leads 'The Fucket List: Pizza With A Side Of Nuru' From Adult Time

River Lynn stars with Axel Haze in the latest Jim Powers-helmed scene "The Fucket List: Pizza With A Side Of Nuru," from studio brand Nuru Massage.

New Membership Site 'Sluts Corner' Launches

R18 Entertainment has launched a new membership site, SlutsCorner.com.

Avery Lust, Cliff Jensen Star in Latest From TransSensual

Avery Lust and Cliff Jensen star in the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Brittany Andrews Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Brittany Andrews stars with Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Leather and Bubble Butts.”

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Show More