FBI says budget cuts threaten operations against terrorism

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Federal Bureau Investigation director Robert Mueller warned on Tuesday that the sharp budget cuts affecting all US agencies, including the federal police force, threaten crucial counter-terrorist operations.

The FBI boss, speaking before a House of Representatives committee, said that the US$550 million (S$688.4 million) in cuts over the next seven months until the end of the fiscal year will mean, among other things, leaving 2,200 vacant positions unfilled.

"The personnel are our resources, they are the FBI," he told lawmakers.

"Without them, we risk a slippage in ongoing operations and investigations that could undermine national security, and the enforcement of the federal criminal statues.