John Ashcroft on War & Peace

Former Attorney General; Former Republican Senator (MO)

Push anti-terrorism laws despite Congressional skepticism

Ashcroft wants Congress to act now on its “modest set of proposals” in light of what he said was the very real possibility that terrorists are planning additional attacks. [Some Members wanted more] time to adequately digest proposals that could have serious, unforeseen consequences for rights that Americans now take for granted.

The administration’s bill would make it easier for law enforcement agencies to eavesdrop on suspected terrorists by expanding wiretap authority from single phone lines to multiple modes of communication linked to a suspect, such as cell phones and e-mail. It would also expand the definition of terrorists to include those who “lend support” to terrorist organizations, and it would allow immigration officials to “detain and remove” them. It would permit law enforcement agencies to share information-including grand jury testimony-with intelligence agencies, and it would let law enforcement officials not only freeze terrorists’ assets but also seize them.

Source: John Lancaster and Walter Pincus, Washington Post, p. A5 , Nov 25, 2001

Voted YES on allowing all necessary force in Kosovo.

Majority Leader Trent Lott motioned to kill the resolution that would have authorized the president to "use all necessary forces and other means," in cooperation with U.S. allies to accomplish objectives in Yugoslavia.
Status: Motion to Table Agreed to Y)78; N)22 Reference: Motion to table S. J. Res. 20; Bill S. J. Res. 20 ; vote number 1999-98 on May 4, 1999

Voted NO on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo.

Vote to adopt a resolution to authorize the President to conduct military air operations and missile strikes in cooperation with NATO against Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro). Reference: Bill S.Con.Res 21 ; vote number 1999-57 on Mar 23, 1999

Voted YES on ending the Bosnian arms embargo.

Ending the Bosnian arms embargo.
Status: Bill Passed Y)69; N)29; NV)2 Reference: Bosnia Herzegovina Self-Defense Act of '95; Bill S. 21 ; vote number 1995-331 on Jul 26, 1995

Move the US Embassy to Jerusalem.

Ashcroft co-sponsored the Jerusalem Embassy Act

Jerusalem remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic religious group are protected;
Jerusalem be recognized as the capital of the State of Israel;
the U.S. Embassy in Israel be established in Jerusalem no later than May 31, 1999.
Makes specified amounts of such funds available until expended in FY 1996 and 1997 only for construction and other costs associated with relocating the U.S. Embassy Jerusalem.

Corresponding House bill is H.R.1595. Became Public Law No: 104-45. Source: Bill sponsored by 77 Senators and 78 Reps 95-S1322 on Oct 13, 1995

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