The USA PATRIOT Act

Only 45 days following the September 11th attacks, US Congress passed a sweeping anti-terrorism bill aimed at increasing national security and protecting American citizens. The USA PATRIOT Act is an acronym for Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism. Opponents of the bill argue that it was passed without sufficient opportunity for congressional debate. In fact, parts of the legislation contradict the esteemed American Bill of Rights. Furthermore, where laws differ between foreign countries, the US claims that the USA PATRIOT Act simply overrides other legislation. The final version of the Act runs 132 pages and was passed October 26, 2001. Some provisions in the bill are scheduled to expire January 1, 2006 unless Congress renews its approval prior to that time.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and its Staff Attorney, Jameel Jaffer, provide succinct critiques of the USA PATRIOT Act in the following documents:

ACLU Leaflet Re: USA PATRIOT Act
Jaffer Affidavit