Senators seek delay in FBI's expanded spy powers
By Marisa Taylor | McClatchy Newspapers
WASHINGTON — Two senior senators urged Attorney General Michael Mukasey Monday to delay a change to FBI rules that critics say would weaken checks on the bureau's investigative powers.
Mukasey wants to loosen restrictions on the FBI's national security and criminal investigations, saying the changes are necessary to improve the bureau's ability to detect would-be-terrorists.
Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., and Arlen Specter, R-Pa., however, asked Mukasey to put those new rules off until after FBI Director Robert Mueller testifies before the Judiciary Committee on Sept. 17.
"The guidelines aim to improve the FBI's ability to gather intelligence and respond to national security matters, but would also provide additional authorities not currently in law, allowing the FBI to employ more expansive investigative practices with limited oversight," the senators wrote in a letter sent Monday.
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