Bush claims right to open mail

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. President Bush has issued a "signing statement" claiming the right to open Americans' mail without a warrant, it was reported Thursday.

Bush claimed the extraordinary powers after signing a postal reform bill into law, the New York Daily News said.

"It's something we're going to look into," a top Senate Intelligence Committee aide said.

The president declared his right to open people's mail under emergency conditions with few exceptions. Experts charged Bush's claim was contrary to existing law and contradicted the bill he had just signed.

White House spokeswoman Emily Lawrimore denied Bush was claiming any new authority.