Presidential signing statement may open door to opening mail

According to the Associated Press, a "signing statement" issued by President Bush when signing postal legislation may open the door to greater powers for law enforcement and intelligence authorities to open first class mail.

Here's the signing statement"

"The executive branch shall construe subsection 404(c) of title 39, as enacted by subsection 1010(e) of the act, which provides for opening of an item of a class of mail otherwise sealed against inspection, in a manner consistent, to the maximum extent permissible, with the need to conduct searches in exigent circumstances, such as to protect human life and safety against hazardous materials, and the need for physical searches specifically authorized by law for foreign intelligence collection.

See: Bush signing may change mail laws.