Declan McCullagh
Ashcroft applauds Congress' agreement (Cont'd)
Thu Oct 18 23:20:30 2001


Q Do you believe, in response to a previous question, do you believe
this anthrax originated in Trenton? What two roles __ (inaudible) __ to NBC
and elsewhere? (Inaudible.)

ATTY GEN. ASHCROFT: We're not in a position to make a determination
that's worthy of announcement in that respect.

Yes, sir.

Q Could your investigators and experts at this point offer any
general characterization as to the level of sophistication that's involved
by whoever perpetrated this? Are these people highly_skilled individuals?
Or how would you characterize, or can you?

ATTY GEN. ASHCROFT: I think the characterization of the substances
that was given at the briefing this morning is accurate. And for me to
speak further about the substances would be inappropriate.

Yes.

Q Can you say anything about the reports that there were
anthrax_laced letters sent to Kenya?

ATTY GEN. ASHCROFT: I don't have any report to make on that.

STAFF: One more question, please.

Q How would you characterize the progress of the investigation? And
are you any closer to making any arrests in the anthrax cases?

ATTY GEN. ASHCROFT: We have significantly more information than we
started with. That's how I would characterize it. And that's not enough of
an answer to be the last question. This gentleman behind had his hand up.

Q (Inaudible.)

ATTY GEN. ASHCROFT: You weren't supposed to get the next_to_the_ last
question, let alone the last question. Sir.

Q Is Zecharias Micelli (sp) cooperating with authorities? And what
role is he playing in the September 11th investigation?

ATTY GEN. ASHCROFT: I'm not prepared to __ I guess that you did get
the last question. I'm sorry. Thank you all very much.

END.

Some background:
http://www.wartimeliberty.com/search.pl?topic=legislation

---

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2001/10/17/national1959EDT0880.DTL

Lawmakers break logjam on new anti-terrorism laws, surveillance
measures to expire in 2005
JESSE J. HOLLAND, Associated Press Writer
Wednesday, October 17, 2001

New authority wanted by President Bush to wiretap and eavesdrop on
suspected terrorists, including secret police searches of their homes
and records, would expire in four years under a compromise negotiated
Wednesday, according to congressional sources.

The White House had sought unfettered and permanent authority for
so-called roving wiretaps to monitor telephone and computer
communications of terrorism suspects no matter where they take place,
but encountered stiff opposition from civil rights and privacy
advocates in both parties.

House and Senate negotiators agreed Wednesday afternoon to the
compromise sunset date of Dec. 31, 2005, for the expanded authority to
expire, said four top congressional aides, all speaking on condition
of anonymity.

"It's a done deal," said one GOP House aide. Three Senate aides, one
Republican and two Democrats, confirmed the deal.

Before departing on a trip to Asia, President Bush met Wednesday
morning with leaders in both parties and urged them to come to a
speedy agreement on anti-terrorism legislation containing the new law
enforcement measures. The bill had been stalled for more than a month,
primarily over the new electronic surveillance authority.

[...]

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