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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2001

A bill making its way through the House would give the government greater powers to detain and investigate persons suspected of terrorist activity.

The bill does not give Attorney General John Ashcroft all the powers he sought in the wake of September 11's terrorist attacks. It will still, however, allow the government to detain foreigners -- both legal and illegal immigrants or just visitors -- up to seven days without filing charges or allowing them to ask a judge to release them.

After the time is up, the government may continue to detain a foreigner if there are "reasonable grounds to believe" he or she is related to terrorist activity. Ashcroft had sought broader detention powers.

Get the Story:
House Bill Would Expand Federal Detention Powers (The Washington Post 10/2)