Responding to Congress

The USA PATRIOT Act has been the subject of rigorous, and appropriate, Congressional oversight. This oversight is important and helpful, and it is a necessary part of our democratic process of government. Since the attacks of September 11th, the Department of Justice has provided witnesses for 115 hearings before Congress related to the Patriot Act and the ongoing war against terrorism. The Department has also provided over 100 pages of responses to House Judiciary Committee questions on the Department’s implementation of the Patriot Act. After the most recent Department submission in May of 2003, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Sensenbrenner stated: "The Justice Department should be commended for the timing and thoroughness of these answers. These answers will assist the Judiciary Committee in fulfilling its legislative and oversight responsibilities and should prove helpful in any future debate about extending all or part of the USA PATRIOT Act. In addition, I hope Members and the public will review the Department’s answers for an accurate understanding of what the USA PATRIOT Act authorizes, and how this law is being implemented."

Justice Department participates in Congressional Hearings on Patriot Act and the War on Terrorism
September 2001 - July 2003
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Justice Department responds to oversight questions from House Judiciary Committee
Response to June 13, 2002 questions
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Justice Department responds to oversight questions from House Judiciary Committee
Response to April 1, 2003 questions
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