On October 26, 2001, President George W. Bush signed the USA PATRIOT Act into law. The act expanded surveillance and investigative powers for law enforcement and intelligence agencies in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. It allowed broader wiretaps, access to certain records, and information sharing among agencies. Supporters argued that these tools were necessary to prevent future attacks. Opponents raised concerns about privacy, civil liberties, and government overreach. The law influenced U.S. security policy for years and prompted ongoing debates about the balance between liberty and safety.
