FBI should see improved technology in 2005, agency chief says

Mueller made the remarks before a House committee responsible for appropriations for the Commerce, Justice and State departments. He also was responding to comments by Rep. Harold Rogers. R-Ky., that the panel has "pumped zillions" [of dollars] into the agency over the last 10 to 20 years for information technology, but only recently has seen progress.

Appropriators in recent years have cut the agency's budget for its anti-terrorism computer system known as Trilogy because of delays in its implementation.

Rogers also questioned Mueller about the Homeland Security Department's inability to access the FBI's fingerprint database system.

Mueller said Homeland implemented a two-print system at the nation's borders - rather than a 10-print system like the FBI -- as a "stopgap" measure to quickly roll out biometrics technology.