The phrase "sweeping powers" refers to someone having complete control or authority over a wide range of decisions or actions. It means they hold significant and extensive abilities to make decisions and affect different areas. Full definition
A NEW carbon cop will be given sweeping powers to enter company premises, compel individuals to give self - incriminating evidence and copy sensitive records under a carbon tax package that will force about 60,000 businesses to pay 6c a litre extra for fuel. (climatecommonsense2.com)
GPs have been handed sweeping powers in the coalition government's health white paper, which confirms that primary care trusts will be abolished by 2013. (politics.co.uk)
Pai, a Republican named by President Donald Trump to head up the FCC, unveiled plans last week to scrap the 2015 landmark net neutrality rules, moving to give broadband service providers sweeping power over what content consumers can access. (cnbc.com)