US Will Screen Charity Workers for Terror Ties

A new Bush administration plan will require personnel of some charities and NGOs to register with the government to ensure they are not associated with terrorists. The Washington Post reports that organizations that receive funding from the Agency for International Development will have to provide the phone numbers and e-mail addresses for officers, board members, and other key employees.

The new program, called the Partner Vetting System and due to take effect next week, has aroused vociferous opposition from charitable groups, who call it invasive and burdensome. An amendment to a 2003 appropriations bill allows the State Department to "take all appropriate steps" to keep American charitable funds out of the hands of terrorists. (More charity stories.)