30 September 1998: Link to FBI reponse.

30 September 1998
Source: http://www.house.gov/barr/p_doj.html

Today, Representative Barr's office was not willing to provide more information or substantiation for these allegations other than what is in this press release. Telephone: (202) 225-2931.

U.S. Representative Bob Barr (GA-7) press release:

September 29, 1998

BARR EXPOSES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE POWER GRAB

WASHINGTON, DC -- U.S. Representative Bob Barr (GA-7) released today information exposing an effort by the Department of Justice to obtain massive new enforcement powers in the closing days of the 105th Congress. Barr obtained the information from a confidential source within federal law enforcement. Among other things, the Department's "wish list" for new authority includes (among others):

- A vastly expanded definition of terrorism to include domestic crimes having no relationship to terrorism.

- The power to seize commercial transportation assets for federal use.

- The ability to commander personnel from other federal agencies without reimbursement.

- Expanded wiretap authority to allow "roving" wiretaps, and wiretaps without any court authority.

- Enlarged asset forfeiture provisions to allow the FBI to seize personal property in both criminal and civil matters.

- The establishment of a permanent "FBI Police Force."

- Loosening of Posse Comitatus restrictions to allow more military involvement in domestic law enforcement.

- Authority to force telephone and Internet companies to divulge information on their customers.

"These requests belong in some bizarre conspiracy novel, not in serious legislative documents being circulated at the top levels of federal law enforcement. These proposals represent a sneak attack on the most cherished principles of our democracy. If they become a part of our law, freedom and privacy in America will be permanently and severely diminished," said Barr.

Barr also noted the Department and the FBI are "shopping" this wish list in an effort to get the items placed in a spending measure without hearings or debate.