WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush said on Thursday an FBI reorganization was essential to improving its ability to fight terrorism, and increases in the bureau's domestic spying authority would not compromise constitutional liberties.
Bush's comments amounted a show of support for FBI Director Robert Mueller, who unveiled plans on Wednesday to refocus the FBI's efforts to fight terrorism after criticism the agency bungled its handling of intelligence before the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States. Mueller took over as FBI chief a week before the attacks.
"The FBI needed to change. It was an organization full of fine people, who loved America, but the organization didn't meet the times. And so I appreciate Director Mueller's reform measures," Bush told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.
The Justice Department on Thursday was expected to detail plans to loosen rules restricting the FBI's surveillance of public gatherings, religious and political organizations and surfing the Internet. The steps have drawn concerns they may reduce Americans' civil liberties.
"We intend to honor our constitution and respect the freedoms that we hold so dear. And secondly, we want to make sure that we do everything we can to prevent a further attack, to protect America," Bush said.
"The initiative that the attorney general will be outlining today will guarantee our constitution. And that's important for the citizens to know," he said.
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