Mail privilege?

Washington, D.C.

President Bush has claimed an expansive right to open U.S. mail without a warrant, sparking protests from privacy advocates. He made the assertion in a little-noticed “signing statement” attached to a postal service reform bill in December. Bush often uses such statements to set out his interpretation of how new laws affect presidential power. In this case, Bush said federal authorities are allowed to open mail without a warrant when they deem that lives are in danger or to collect foreign intelligence. An administration spokesman said Bush was merely clarifying existing authority. But critics said his claims go beyond long-recognized limits on the government’s right to open letters—such as those suspected of containing dangerous or illegal materials—without court approval.

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