The Patriot Act: Success in Preventing Terrorism

Introduction to the Patriot Act and its Reauthorization

• Context: Alberto R. Gonzales, U.S. Attorney General (sworn in February 2005), argues for the USA Patriot Act of 2001's utility in preventing terrorism.

• Core Argument: The Patriot Act has successfully equipped anti-terrorist agencies with enhanced investigative and surveillance powers and improved information sharing capabilities.

• Legislative Action: Gonzales urged Congress to renew the act, which they did in March 2006, shortly after his viewpoint was written.

• Non-Permanent Provisions: Only two provisions were not made permanent during the renewal. One notable example is the executive authority for warrantless roving wiretaps, which was set to expire in 2010.