"Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom." — George W. Bush, Address to the Nation, September 11, 2001
Critics of the USA PATRIOT Act (2001) most often argued that it:
- A
Restricted federal law enforcement's ability to coordinate
- Bcheck_circle
Expanded surveillance powers in ways that threatened Fourth Amendment protections
- C
Required warrants for all national-security investigations
- D
Was too lenient on financial crime
Explanation
Civil libertarians argued the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps, business-records provisions, and reduced judicial oversight eroded Fourth Amendment privacy protections.