USA PATRIOT Act (2001)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute on Congress.gov

2) Why It Was Done
Passed quickly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the PATRIOT Act expanded law enforcement and intelligence agencies’ powers to investigate and prevent terrorism.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Amended or expanded numerous existing laws, including the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA, 1978) and federal criminal procedure statutes. Raised concerns about conflicts with Fourth Amendment privacy rights.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters argue it gave necessary tools to disrupt terrorism. Critics argue it enabled government overreach, mass surveillance, and violations of civil liberties with limited oversight.

5) Who or What It Controls

• Federal law enforcement agencies (FBI, DOJ)
• Intelligence agencies (NSA, CIA)
• Financial institutions (anti–money laundering and reporting requirements)
• Private citizens (through surveillance and record collection powers)

6) Key Sections / Citations

• Sec. 215 (business records, “library records” provision – 50 U.S.C. § 1861)
• Sec. 206 (roving wiretaps)
• Sec. 213 (delayed-notice “sneak and peek” warrants)
• Sec. 326–328 (anti–money laundering, banking rules)

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

• Several provisions made temporary and reauthorized multiple times
• USA FREEDOM Act (2015) curtailed bulk collection of phone metadata under Sec. 215
• Continuing debates about government surveillance, privacy, and oversight remain active in Congress and courts

8) Official Sources

• Congress.gov – H.R. 3162 (Public Law 107–56)
• ACLU – PATRIOT Act Overview
• DOJ – Highlights of the USA PATRIOT Act

• National Security
• Surveillance
• Terrorism
• Civil Liberties
• Law Enforcement