1. THE USA PATRIOT ACT AND THE DOMESTIC WAR ON TERROR Essential Questions: What limits should be put on the executive branch to carry out the domestic war on terror? Are the controversial parts of the USA Patriot Act constitutional?

2. Objectives Identify and explain selected selections of the USA Patriot Act. Analyze the reasoning why certain sections of the USA Patriot Act are controversial. Compare and contrast the multiple viewpoints of members of Congress and the President regarding the PATRIOT act.

3. George Bush Statement for signing the PATRIOT ACT “But one thing is for certain: These terrorists must be pursued; they must be defeated; and they must be brought to justice. And that is the purpose of this legislation. Since the 11th of September, the men and women of our intelligence and law enforcement agencies have been relentless in their response to new and sudden challenges. We have seen the horrors terrorists can inflict. We may never know what horrors our country was spared by the diligent and determined work of our police forces, the FBI, ATF agents, Federal marshals, custom officers, Secret Service, intelligence professionals, and local law enforcement officials. Under the most trying conditions, they are serving this country with excellence and often with bravery. They deserve our full support and every means of help that we can provide. We're dealing with terrorists who operate by highly sophisticated methods and technologies, some of which were not even available when our existing laws were written. The bill before me takes account of the new realities and dangers posed by modern terrorists. It will help law enforcement to identify, to dismantle, to disrupt, and to punish terrorists before they strike.” George W. Bush, Remarks on Signing the USA PATRIOT ACT of 2001 October 26, 2001

4. Why was the PATRIOT Act Passed? USA PATRIOT Act: Preserving Life and Liberty (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) Bill was passed in October of 2001 in the wake of 9/11. PATRIOT act was re-authorized in 2006 and 2010. 2011 expiring provisions reauthorized, temporarily, will be debated in the upcoming months.

5. VOTES IN CONGRESS 2001 AND 2006

6. Goals of PATRIOT ACT To give Federal Agencies and law enforcement great ability to counteract terrorism. Make surveillance of terrorist easier. Break down communication barriers between federal agencies. Allow law enforcement easier access to business records. Increase penalties for suspected terrorist and individuals that aid terrorists.

7. OPPOSITION Civil libertarians groups and free speech organizations have opposed many provisions of the PATRIOT act. They find certain provisions unconstitutional and an infringement on 1 st and 4 th amendments. In the current Congress many Tea Party Republicans and Liberal democrats are leading opposition against re-authorization.

8. Major players in the PATRIOT Act Debate Dennis Kucinich (D) Strong opponent Rand Paul (R) Strong opponent Jim Sensenbrenner (R) Supporter, Original drafter Of PATRIOT ACT President Obama Supports re- authorization Of most of PATRIOT ACT

9. PATRIOT ACT OPPOSITION What are the arguments made for against PATRIOT act reauthorization? How are Rand Paul and Dennis Kucinich different in their arguments? How are they similar? What are the arguments in favor of the re- authorization? Why do you think Obama supports reauthorization? Which side are you on and why?