Originally Posted by CynBabes

Current law already provides the president with broad authority to take over communications networks, the committee said, pointing to Section 706 of the Communications Act. That portion gives the president authority to "cause the closing of any facility or station for wire communication" and "authorize the use of control of any such facility or station" by the federal government. This can be done if a state or threat of war exists, it does not require advance notification to Congress, and can continue for up to six months after the threat expires.