Specific details were not immediately known about the fate of those issues. Senators said many of the immigration provisions, including the House's ideas about speedy deportations and handling of immigrants seeking political asylum, were gone from the compromise bill.
At least some of the enhanced criminal provisions are still in:
It does toughen punishments for the use of chemical and biological weapons and shoulder-fired missiles, examples of some of the anti-terrorism provisions in the measure, senators said.
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Not good news. House and Senate negotiators reached an agreement this morning on the 9/11 Intel Reform bill. I'm assuming this means the expanded law enforcement powers that were not recommendations of the 9/11 Commission are still in the bill.
The full House and Senate both must pass the bill before it goes to President Bush for signature. Stay tuned, we'll be updating this as more news about the compromise bill becomes available. If the compromise includes unnecessary law enforcement power grabs, here's what we'll ask you to do:
bq. Please contact your Representative ASAP toll-free by using the Capitol Switchboard at 800-839-5276. This switchboard operates 24 hours a day. So if you are inspired to call after normal business hours in D.C., the operator will transfer you to your representative's office and you can leave a voice mail message. Of course, calling during business hours would be preferable, if possible.