USA PATRIOT Act

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.

Acts

Homeland Security Act

Homeland Security Act (2002)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (6 U.S.C. § 101 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
Passed in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the Act created the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to coordinate national efforts against terrorism, improve border security, and streamline emergency response.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before 2002, counterterrorism and homeland security functions were spread across multiple agencies (FBI, INS, Customs, FEMA, Coast Guard). The Act consolidated them into a single Cabinet-level department.