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How quickly did Congress pass the USA PATRIOT Act after the September 11 attacks?

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Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act very quickly following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. After the Bush administration submitted draft legislation to expand government surveillance and investigative powers, the legislative process moved rapidly through both chambers of Congress in October 2001.1

The timeline of the bill's passage was as follows:

  • October 11: The Senate passed its version of the bill (the USA Act) by a vote of 96–1.1
  • October 12: The House passed its version of the measure by a vote of 337–79.1
  • October 24: The House passed a compromise bill, officially titled the USA PATRIOT Act, by a vote of 357–66.1
  • October 25: The Senate adopted the House bill without amendment by a vote of 98–1.1
  • October 26: President George W. Bush signed the act into law.1

This swift legislative action occurred just over six weeks after the attacks, reflecting the administration's and Congress's prioritization of domestic security measures during that period.12