What Is the Difference Between the Homeland Security Act & the Patriot Act?
Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the United States government passed legislation to protect the nation against any further attacks. The Homeland Security Act and the Patriot Act provide the federal government with vast powers to investigate terrorism, access personal information, and protect national security.
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History of the Homeland Security Act
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President George W. Bush signed the Homeland Security Act (HSA) of 2002 into law in November 2002 in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York City, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. The primary focus of the Homeland Security Act was to prevent future terrorist attacks within the United States. The House of Representatives introduced the legislation in June 2002. It passed the Senate, unanimously, in November 2002.
Features of the Homeland Security Act
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The major function of the Homeland Security Act was the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The primary responsibility of the DHS is the prevention of terrorist attacks and responding to natural disasters. The Department of Homeland Security incorporates 22 other federal organizations into a single agency, including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration.
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History of the Patriot Act
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President George W. Bush signed the USA Patriot Act into law on October 26, 2001. The primary objective of the Patriot Act is to give the federal government and law enforcement greater power to investigate and prosecute terrorism. The bill was proposed, signed and enacted with little opposition a month and half after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Features of the Patriot Act
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The Patriot Act provides the federal government sweeping powers to detect and investigate suspected terrorism. It gives the government the ability to search the email, telephone, financial, library and medical records of an individual if it is in the interest of national security. The federal government can also monitor financial transactions of foreign individuals. In many cases, individuals are not aware that they are being monitored. The Patriot Act is set to expire May 29, 2011.
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