Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On September 25, 2001, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reported, "Attorney General John Ashcroft sought new investigative powers to track down terrorists as he faced sharp questioning Monday from the House Judiciary Committee over whether his proposal would violate civil liberties. Ashcroft urged quick action to give federal investigators increased authority to tap cellphones, read e-mail, collect credit card information and detain immigrants suspected of terrorism. 'The death tolls are too high, the consequences too great,' he said. 'We must prevent first. We must prosecute second.'"