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• The Patriot Act is an act that expanded the rights and authorities of law enforcement agencies in order to combat terrorism in the United States and abroad. The Patriot Act was originally signed into law by George W. Bush in 2001. It was passed 45 days after the attacks on September 11, 2001.ACLU: USA Patriot Act (November 14, 2003)

  The full title of the act is the "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001." The Patriot Act has been criticized for eroding civil liberties and was opposed by both Republicans and Democrats alike.The New York Times: Bush Signs Bill Renewing Patriot Act (March 9, 2006) The ACLU and other civil liberties organizations have filed lawsuits related to sections of the controversial act.Newsday.com: Appeals court in NYC puts limits on Patriot Act (December 15, 2008)

• Fast Facts

  1. Originally signed into law October 26, 2001
  2. Many provisions scheduled to "sunset" beginning in December 31, 2005
  3. Singed into permanent law on March 9, 2006The New York Times: Bush Signs Bill Renewing Patriot Act (March 9, 2006)
  4. Considered a reaction to the September 11, 2001, attacksThe New York Times: Bush Signs Bill Renewing Patriot Act (March 9, 2006)
  5. Proponents argue the Patriot Act is a necessary provision in the fight against terrorThe New York Times: Bush Signs Bill Renewing Patriot Act (March 9, 2006)
  6. A Justice Department audit revealed the FBI under-reported its use of the Patriot Act to acquire customer information from private and public companiesCNN: FBI's Patriot Act Snooping Broke Rules (March 9, 2007)
  7. The Combat Methamphetamine Act of 2005 was part of the Patriot Act renewal, mandating that certain over-the-counter cold medicines commonly used in illegal drug production must be kept behind locked displaysUSAToday.com: Feds score against homegrown meth (July 2, 2007)

• George W. Bush Quote

  "The law allows our intelligence and law enforcement officials to continue to share information. It allows them to continue to use tools against terrorists that they used against -- that they use against drug dealers and other criminals. It will improve our nation's security while we safeguard the civil liberties of our people. The legislation strengthens the Justice Department so it can better detect and disrupt terrorist threats. And the bill gives law enforcement new tools to combat threats to our citizens from international terrorists to local drug dealers."Whitehouse.gov: USA Patriot Act—George W. Bush, March 9, 2006

• Reauthorization Bill

  A revised version of the Patriot Act was signed by President George W. Bush, on March 9, 2006, making most of the provisions of the act permanent. Key provisions include the increased ability of law enforcement to search telephone, email, financial, medical and other records, expanded authority of the U.S. Treasury to restrict individual financial transactions and expanded ability of immigration officers to detain and deport immigrants suspected of terrorism. The act also controversially included domestic terrorism in its operational definition, effectively expanding the scope of newly enhanced law enforcement powers over a greater number of activities and individuals.The New York Times: Bush Signs Bill Renewing Patriot Act (March 9, 2006)

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Domestic Surveillance | War on Terror | Alberto Gonzales | FBI | U.S. Department of Homeland Security | Anti-Terror Database | Posse Comitatus Act | Javed Iqbal | Russell Tice | How to Become a Detective | Ashton Lundeby

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