The state’s highest-ranking federal law enforcement official says he wants to talk to the Lawrence City Commission before it decides whether to oppose the Patriot Act.

“There is widespread misunderstanding over what the act does, and just as importantly, what it does not do,” U.S. Atty. Eric Melgren said in a Monday letter to Mayor David Dunfield.

Commissioners poised to oppose Patriot Act (1-8-04)

He said if the commission does consider a resolution to oppose the act, “I would appreciate an opportunity to first be heard by the City Commission, and make you aware of the facts regarding the Patriot Act.”

The Kansas Bill of Rights Defense Committee, a Lawrence group, has said it plans to ask the City Commission to pass such a resolution within the next month. Most commissioners have said they are sympathetic to opponents of the federal law.

The act was passed soon after the 9-11 attacks on America, giving federal authorities broader powers to investigate and share information.