Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001

Return to Glossary

Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001, also known as the USA Patriot Act or Patriot Act, has a stated goal of dramatically tightening U.S. national security, particularly as it related to foreign terrorism. In general, the act included three main provisions:

• Expanded surveillance abilities of law enforcement, including by tapping domestic and international phones;
• Easier interagency communication to allow federal agencies to more effectively use all available resources in counterterrorism efforts; and
• Increased penalties for terrorism crimes and an expanded list of activities which would qualify for terrorism charges.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_Act#Title_III:_Anti-money-laundering_to_prevent_terrorism