Ashcroft Says Likely to Appeal U.S. Patriot Act Ruling Sep 30, 5:54 AM (ET)
SCHEVENINGEN, Netherlands (Reuters) - U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft said on Thursday the Bush administration was likely to appeal against a U.S. District Court ruling that part of the Patriot Act was unconstitutional. "Without knowing the specifics, I wouldn't be able to assure you that the case would be appealed, but it is almost a certainty that it would be appealed," Ashcroft told reporters after meeting European Union justice and interior ministers. "We believe the act to be completely consistent with the United States' Constitution," he added. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero ruled that surveillance powers granted to the FBI under the Patriot Act, a cornerstone of the U.S. war on terror, were unconstitutional. In the first decision against a surveillance portion of the act, Marrero ruled for the American Civil Liberties Union in its challenge against what it called "unchecked power" by the FBI to demand secret customer records from communication companies, such as Internet service providers or telephone companies. Ashcroft said the Bush administration would continue "to use every tool" available under the constitution to fight terrorism. EU and U.S. officials met in the Dutch sea-side resort to discuss how to boost the fight against terrorism, including improved information exchange, cutting off financing and safeguarding borders without hampering trade and travel. -- You are a subscribed member of the infowarrior list. Visit www.infowarrior.org for list information or to unsubscribe. This message may be redistributed freely in its entirety. Any and all copyrights appearing in list messages are maintained by their respective owners.
