President Bush signs USA PATRIOT Act, expanding surveillance and intelligence powers

President George W. Bush signs the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT Act) into law. The legislation expands federal law enforcement surveillance capabilities, including authority to intercept emails and internet communications, conduct roving wiretaps, and access business records without warrant. The act passes with overwhelming bipartisan support: 98-1 in the Senate and 357-66 in the House. Bush states the law provides essential tools to identify, dismantle, and disrupt terrorists before they strike.