ACLJ Supports Effort by Attorney General Ashcroft to Upgrade Anti-terrorism Laws - Urges Congress to Act Promptly.

Business Editors & Legal Writers

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 18, 2001

The American Center for Law and Justice, an international public interest law firm, announced today it supports efforts by U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft to upgrade laws that will help in the prevention and investigation of terrorism and is calling on Congress to move swiftly to adopt the proposals.

"There are certain areas of the law that are woefully inadequate when it comes to targeting terrorism," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ who is monitoring the legal and legislative efforts to battle terrorism. "This is clearly an area of national security and the Attorney General Ashcroft has identified a number of critical areas that must be addressed - and addressed quickly - if this nation is to mount an aggressive and effective campaign to eliminate terrorism. We support the Attorney General's efforts and urge Congress to move swiftly to equip the government with the tools they need to battle this ongoing threat."

Ashcroft has said he is hopeful Congress will act this week to strengthen the laws to identify, prevent, and punish terrorism - including laws that apply to wiretaps and tracking money launderers.

The ACLU has singled out Ashcroft's efforts and voiced concern that the changes along with the timetable will infringe on the civil liberties of Americans.

Sekulow said it would be a mistake for the ACLU to attempt to derail or delay this effort. "The changes needed are sound and constitutional," said Sekulow. "In the wake of this national tragedy and in light of the very real ongoing terrorist threat, we need to move forward without delay to equip the government with the tools they need to do the job. These changes will safeguard our constitutional freedoms and our way of life - not threaten them."

Sekulow said he is working with members of Congress to address any questions concerning constitutional issues that may surface as a result of the legislative changes in the fight against terrorism.

The American Center for Law and Justice is an international public interest law firm that focuses on constitutional issues. The ACLJ is headquartered in Virginia Beach, VA and its web site address is www.aclj.org.