[JURIST] The US Congress sent an anti-terror bill [PDF text, HR 1 materials] to President George Bush for signature Friday. The bill, based on recommendations by the 9/11 commission [official website], would transfer funds to states and cities found to be at high risk for terrorist attacks. It also includes a provision to screen all air and sea cargo coming into the US within five years. The bill passed the Senate on Thursday by 85-8 [roll call] and the House on Friday by 371-40 [roll call]. Bush has said he will sign the legislation.

Critics have argued that the technology does not exist to efficiently monitor cargo without interrupting trade; as a compromise, the bill allows the Homeland Security secretary to extend the five-year deadline in two-year increments if necessary. The White House has also expressed displeasure with a requirement that intelligence community budgets be made public. AP has more.