On October 26, 2001, just 45 days after the September 11 attacks, the United States passed one of the most far-reaching laws in its history: the USA PATRIOT Act. Born in a moment of national fear and unity, the act promised greater security but raised deep questions about the cost of freedom. In the weeks after 9/11, Congress moved with extraordinary speed. Lawmakers from both parties backed a massive bill designed to prevent another terrorist attack. Officially titled “Uniting and Strengthening