New anti-terror laws for US

Bush says the laws will prevent future atrocities

US President George W Bush has signed into law an anti-terrorism bill that gives sweeping new powers to police forces and intelligence agencies.

The new bill

Increases penalties for terror crimes

Allows the tapping of any phone a suspect uses

Allows foreign terror suspects to be held up to seven days before being charged or deported.

Sets up a new database to track 600,000 foreign students in the US

Authorises nationwide search warrants for computer information

At a White House signing ceremony, he said: "The changes effective today will help counter a threat like no other our nation has faced."

The legislation gives the police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation more leeway to secretly search people's homes and business records. It also gives them more power to eavesdrop on telephone conversations and electronic communications, share intelligence and detain suspected terrorists who enter the United States.

The bill increases the number of crimes considered terrorist acts and toughens the punishment for committing them, as well as imposing stronger penalties on those harbouring or financing terrorists.

Mr Bush said the legislation was essential not only to assist the pursuit and punishment of terrorists, but also to prevent more atrocities.

Senate leader Tom Daschle says the measures strike the right balance

He added: "This government will enforce this law with all the urgency of a nation at war."

The new bill comes as the US Government is attempting to control an anthrax outbreak that may be linked to the 11 September terror attacks on New York and Washington.

Attorney General John Ashcroft has said the Justice Department will begin using the new powers immediately.

The House of Representatives and the Senate approved Mr Bush's anti-terrorism package in less than two months, bypassing much of the normal committee process.

There are still too many weaknesses in the Bill that could end up curbing and infringing fundamental civil rights and liberties

Ralph Neas
People For the American Way

But lawmakers, who were concerned about possible abuse of the new wiretapping and surveillance powers, have placed a four-year time limit on that part of the legislation - meaning it will lapse, unless renewed, by the end of 2005.

Civil liberties groups remain critical of the new measures.

"It is still dangerous legislation, and unfortunately there are still too many weaknesses in the bill that could end up curbing and infringing fundamental civil rights and liberties," said Ralph Neas, President of People For the American Way.