The FBI's use of the USA Pariot Act

[The Straight Story]

THE FBI'S USE OF THE USA PATRIOT ACT
Director Mueller Testifies Before the Senate Judiciary Committee
04/06/05
On April 5, Director Mueller joined Attorney General Gonzalez on the Hill to discuss renewal of Patriot Act provisions that are scheduled to "sunset" at the end of this year.

"I firmly believe that it is crucial to our national security to renew these provisions," he said. "Without them the FBI might well be forced into pre-September 11th practices, requiring us -- agents, analysts, and our partners -- to fight the war on terror with one hand tied behind our backs."

In his written testimony, Director Mueller spoke specifically to each of the 16 provisions in question -- everything from wiretap issues...to information sharing with U.S. federal agencies, from voice mail and email issues...to access to information through the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) court, from search warrants...to civil liability. In his remarks he cited concrete examples of how each provision had closed loopholes and made Americans safer. Just for instance:

Using the "Emergency Disclosure of E-Mail & Records by ISPs" provision to quickly restore an abducted 14-year-old girl to her family.
Using "Information Sharing for Foreign Intelligence, etc." provision to identify, arrest, and ultimately deport 3 men on drug and providing material support to Al Qaeda violations.
Using the "Immunity for Compliance with FISA Wiretap" provision to get industry assistance in an espionage case.

http://www.fbi.gov/page2/april05/patriot040605.htm