• Background: Gives law enforcement expanded permissions to pursue terrorism suspects
• Controversy: Unconstitutional, limits civil liberties
• Supporting Arguments: Gives law enforcement same authority that is given when pursuing mobsters
• Reauthorization: Expires in 2006, 2010

Background

• The Patriot Act, formally known as the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 26, 2001 after passing through Congress with minimal debate and with wide margins of support. The act expanded the authority of U.S. law enforcement agencies for the purpose of fighting terrorism in the United States and abroad. The only senator to oppose the bill was Russ Feingold (D-WI).

Controversy

• Its opponents call the act unconstitutional, stating that the legislation dramatically weakens the protection of civil liberties.
• Its most controversial aspects authorize the indefinite detentions of immigrants and allow law enforcement officers search a home or business without informing the owner or occupant.
• Additionally, "roving wiretaps" permit investigators to eavesdrop on any calls made by a terror suspect "sneak-and-peek" warrants and libraries allow the FBI to search telephone, email, and financial records without obtaining a court order.

Supporting Arguments

• The Act's proponents argue that it gives the same tools to those pursuing terrorists that given to those pursuing lesser criminals.

Reauthorization

• Congress passed a reauthorization bill that was signed by President Bush on March 9, 2006. The bill extended the Act's original expiration date, December 31, 2005 to February 3, 2006.
• The bill was extended again in March 10, 2006 for an additional 4 years. Senator Russ Feingold threatened a filibuster.