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A general understanding of current legislation affecting counter-terrorism strategies and efforts will help any law enforcement decisionmaker develop a plan for professional training and local emergency response. Below are links to legislation that outlines our nation's stance on terrorism; establishes protocols for preparation, investigation, and national security; and allocates funds for training, equipment, and response planning.
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Border Security & Immigration
An Act to Modify Certain Deadlines Pertaining to Machine-Readable, Tamper-Resistant Entry and Exit Documents (H.R. 4417) (PDF)
Presented to the President on July 28, 2004 for signature, this act amends the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 (8 U.S.C. 1732) to extend the deadline by 1 year to 2005 for (1) U.S. ports of entry to install equipment and software capable of processing machine-readable, tamper-resistant entry and exit documents and passports that contain biometric identifiers; (2) Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries to certify that they are issuing machine-readable, tamper-resistant passports that contain biometric and document authentication identifiers comporting with specified standards; and (3) VWP participants who are issued passports on or after the new deadline to present passports that comply with those requirements.
Alien Smuggling: Recent Legislative Developments (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, May 22, 2008
The Immigration and Nationality Act proscribes a broad spectrum of activities that would help aliens to enter and live within the United States without proper legal status. Recent proposed legislation would significantly expand the scope of the act, adding alien smuggling provisions that would enhance sentencing for disobeying federal officials on the high seas while engaging in alien smuggling.
A Bill To Amend the Immigration and Nationality Act To Provide Permanent Authority
for the Admission of "S" Visa Nonimmigrants (S. 1424, Public Law No. 107-45)
Signed into law on October 1, 2001, this act grants permanent authority for the provision of
nonimmigrant "S" visas to aliens who possess, and will supply (or have supplied) to law
enforcement agencies, critical information concerning criminal or terrorist organizations.
Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 (H.R. 3525, Public Law No.
107-173)
Signed into law on May 14, 2002, this act provides for increased numbers of Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS) investigators and inspectors; authorizes appropriations for INS,
Border Patrol, and consular personnel, training, facilities, and security-related technology; and
calls for information sharing among border security, law enforcement, and intelligence agencies
(including technology standard and interoperability requirements), among other provisions.
Electronic Passport Final Rule
Federal Register, October 25, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 205)
The Electronic Passport Final Rule amends passport regulations to incorporate changes related to introduction of the electronic passport. The rule defines "electronic passport," includes a damaged electronic chip as an additional basis for possible invalidation of a passport, and provides for no-fee issuance of a replacement passport if an electronic chip fails.
Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Program to Collect
Information Relating to Nonimmigrant Foreign Students and other Exchange Program
Participants (Public Law No. 104-208, Section 641)
A final rule promulgated under this law established the Student and Exchange Visitor
Information System (SEVIS), an Internet reporting and tracking system that will track "F," "M,"
and "J" visa participants from the time they receive their documentation until they graduate/leave
school or conclude/leave their programs. Schools have until January 30, 2003 to enter data on
new, nonimmigrant students and until August 1, 2003 to complete entries on current students.
This information will be available to law enforcement, school officials, and certain U.S. State
Department and Immigration and Naturalization Service personnel.
Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 (U.S. Code Title 8)
The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has asked state and local police to
voluntarily arrest aliens who have violated criminal provisions of the U.S. Immigration and
Nationality Act or civil provisions that render an alien deportable, and who are wanted as
recorded by the National Crime Information Center. The National Security Entry-Exit
Registration System Fact Sheet details the purpose and procedures called for by the INS National
Security Entry-Exit Registration System. On December 6, 2002, INS issued a statement
emphasizing the registration requirements for visiting foreign nationals from the 18 countries
affected.
Majority of VWP Countries to Meet Digital Photo Deadline
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, October 26, 2005
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that most of the countries participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will meet the requirement to produce passports with digital photographs by October 26, 2005. Visitors with valid machine-readable passports issued prior to this date may continue to travel without a visa under the VWP. Passports issued on or after October 26 require the digital photo. Visitors who are issued a passport after the October 26 deadline that does not meet these requirements will be required to obtain a visa to travel to the United States.
Security and Accountability for Every Port Act (SAFE Port Act) ( H.R. 4954)
The SAFE Port Act codifies several security programs already in progress, places deadlines on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for expanding security programs with shippers and overseas ports (the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and the Container Security Initiative), and requires the department to develop a plan to resume maritime commerce in the event of a terrorist attack on a U.S. port. In addition, three overseas ports will be chosen for a pilot program in which 100 percent of cargo being sent to the United States will be scanned by radiation detectors. The bill will require the 22 largest U.S. ports to scan all incoming cargo for radiological weapons by the end of September 2007.
The Secure Fence Act of 2006, H. R. 6061, Public Law No. 109-367 (PDF)
Signed into law on October 26, 2006 , this legislation directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, within 18 months of enactment of this act, to take appropriate actions to achieve operational control over U.S. international land and maritime borders. It defines "operational control" as the prevention of all unlawful U.S. entries, including entries by terrorists, other unlawful aliens, narcotics, instruments of terrorism, and other contraband.
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Communications & Equipment
Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) (H.R. 4922, Public Law
No. 103-414, 108 Stat. 4279)
Signed into law on October 25, 1994, this act amends the federal criminal code to make clear a
telecommunications carrier's duty to cooperate in the interception of communications for law
enforcement purposes. The CALEA web site is an information clearinghouse for those interested
in CALEA; it provides information on capability, capacity, cost recovery, flexible deployment,
liaison, and reimbursement requirements and standards.
E-911 Implementation Act of 2003 (H.R. 2898) (PDF)
U.S. Congress, July 2003
The bill would authorize the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and
Information Administration to make matching grants to state and local governments and tribal
organizations to enhance emergency communications services through planning, infrastructure
improvements, equipment purchases, and personnel training and acquisition.
Libraries and the USA PATRIOT Act (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Updated July 6, 2005
According to this report, the USA PATRIOT Act contains no provisions directed specifically at libraries or their patrons. However, several provisions—including Section 215, which amends the business record of the Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Act—might apply in a library context. Although past practices have apparently made the library community apprehensive, the extent to which Section 215 has been used is unclear. This report discusses background issues and proposed legislation that would rework Section 215, which is scheduled to expire, and make it permanent.
Wireless E911 Location Accuracy Requirements, 47 Code of Federal Regulations Part 20 (PDF)
Federal Register, February 14, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 31)
To ensure an appropriate and consistent compliance methodology for location accuracy standards, the Federal Communications Commission amends its rules in order to require wireless Enhanced 911 (E911) Phase II location accuracy and reliability standards at a geographical level defined by the coverage area of a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP).
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Critical Infrastructure
National Construction Safety Team Act (H.R. 4687, Public Law No. 107-231) (PDF)
In response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center (WTC), this act
was signed into law on October 1, 2002, granting broad investigative authority to the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) concerning major U.S. building failures. NIST's
WTC site offers additional information.
Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2006 (H.R. 5782)
This bill was passed by both chambers of Congress and cleared for the President's signature on December 7, 2006 . It amends Title 49 of the U.S. Code to provide for enhanced safety and environmental protection in pipeline transportation and for enhanced reliability in transporting the nation's energy products by pipeline. It also authorizes the Secretary of the Department of Transportation to set minimum safety standards in several related areas.
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Cyberterrorism
Cyber Security Research and Development Act (H.R. 3394, Public Law 107-305) (PDF)
Signed into law on November 27, 2002, this legislation will establish computer security research
centers and fellowship programs through the National Science Foundation and the National
Institute of Standards and Technology.
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Domestic Security
Authorization for Use of Military Force (S.J.Res. 23, Public Law No. 107-40)
Signed into law on September 18, 2001, this act authorizes the President to use all necessary and
appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or people he determines planned,
authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, to
prevent any future acts of international terrorism against the United States by such nations,
organizations, or people.
Countdown to REAL ID
National Conference of State Legislatures, updated August 4, 2009
Following the deadline of May 11, 2008, state driver's licenses and identification cards were not to be accepted for federal purposes unless the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) determined that a state was compliant with the REAL ID Act or a state had been approved for an extension by the Secretary of DHS. All 56 U.S. jurisdictions have received extensions lasting until December 31, 2009 . In preparation for the deadline, the National Conference of State Legislatures provides these online resources regarding the REAL ID Act of 2005, including its history, the full text of Title II of the act, DHS's final regulations to implement the act, and DHS REAL ID grant guidance.
Designating September 11 as Patriot Day (H.J.Res. 71, Public Law No. 107-89)
Signed into law on December 18, 2001, this act designates September 11 as Patriot Day. It
requests that the President issue a proclamation each year regarding the observation of Patriot
Day and that the U.S. flag be displayed at half staff in honor of individuals who lost their lives as
a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
Effective Counterterrorism Act of 1996 (H.R. 3071)
Signed into law on April 24, 1996 (as S.735, Public Law No. 104-132), this bill sets penalties for
providing terrorist organizations with material support, expands federal jurisdiction over bomb
threats, adds terrorism offenses to the money laundering statute, and establishes or increases
other penalties related to acts of terrorism. It also authorizes funding for specialized training or
equipment to enhance the capability of metropolitan fire and emergency service departments to
respond to terrorist attacks.
Fact Sheet: USA PATRIOT Act Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005
U.S. Department of Justice, March 2, 2006
After several months of intense debate, Congress passed the USA PATRIOT Act Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R. 3199). This legislation reauthorizes all expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act, adds dozens of additional safeguards to protect Americans' privacy and civil liberties, strengthens port security, and provides tools to combat the spread of methamphetamine.
Federal Habeas Corpus: A Brief Legal Overview (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, April 26, 2006
Federal habeas corpus is a procedure under which a federal court may review the legality of an individual's incarceration. It is most often the stage of the criminal appellate process that follows direct appeal and any available state collateral review. This report provides a history and discussion of habeas corpus as it is defined and practiced in the United States.
Federal Habeas Corpus: An Abridged Sketch (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, April 28, 2006
This report is an abridged version of the 46-page Federal Habeas Corpus: A Brief Legal Overview. It excludes footnotes, appendixes, and most citations.
FISA Amendments Act of 2008 (H.R. 6304, Public Law No. 110-261) (PDF)
This law amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, among other things establishing a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence.
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) (U.S. Code Title 50, Chapter 36)
Under a November 18, 2002 FISA ruling by an appeals panel of the United States Foreign
Intelligence Surveillance Court of Review, police have been given broader power in the use of
surveillance against terror and espionage suspects. This action affirms the implementation of new
U.S. Department of Justice procedures that allow easier information access between federal
domestic police agencies and intelligence agencies.
FY 2005 Homeland Security Appropriations Act
Signed into law on October 18, 2004, the Appropriations Act provides $28.9 billion in net discretionary spending for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Homeland Security Act of 2002 (H.R. 5005) (PDF)
Signed into law on November 25, 2002, this act restructures and strengthens the executive branch
of the Federal Government to better meet the threat posed by terrorism. In establishing a new
Department of Homeland Security, the act for the first time creates a federal department whose
primary mission will be to help prevent, protect against, and respond to acts of terrorism.
Hudson v. Michigan, No. 04-1360 (PDF)
The Supreme Court of the United States held that when police enter a dwelling contrary to the Court's previously affirmed "knock-and-announce" requirement, the evidence they find is available for use in a criminal prosecution.
Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (Conference Report) (PDF)
This conference report accompanies S.2845 (National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004). Referred to the President on December 8, 2004, the Intelligence Reform Bill creates a national counterterrorism center and an independent civil liberties board. Once signed into law, this bill will create the position of Intelligence Chief. This person will oversee the nation's intelligence community and related agencies. In addition, the act will increase security measures for airports, create national standards for drivers' licenses and other identification cards, increase incidents of mandatory sentencing for terrorist-related crimes, provide more border security agents and inspectors, and increase the number of detention spaces available for terrorists.
A Joint Resolution Expressing the Sense of the Senate and House of Representatives
Regarding the Terrorist Attacks Launched Against the United States on September 11,
2001 (S.J.Res. 22, Public Law No. 107-39)
Signed into law on September 18, 2001, this act condemns the terrorists who planned and carried
out the September 11, 2001, attacks against the United States; extends condolences to the victims
and their loved ones; commends the heroic actions of the rescue workers, volunteers, and public
officials who responded to these tragic events; declares that the nation will stand united as
recovery and rebuilding are carried out; and declares that the United States is entitled to respond
under international law.
Material Support of Terrorists and Foreign Terrorist Organizations:
Sunset Amendments (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, August 11, 2005
This report examines amendments to the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 that temporarily amended terrorist assistance prohibitions. These amendments are set to expire December 31, 2006.
Material Support of Terrorists and Foreign Terrorist Organizations:
Expiring Amendments in Brief (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, August 16, 2005
This is an abridged version of Material Support of Terrorists and Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Sunset Amendments.
National Emergency Powers (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Updated June 20, 2006
The President of the United States has certain powers that he may exercise if the nation is threatened by crisis, exigency, or emergency circumstances. This report discusses the scope, limits, and restraints on the President in exercising these powers.
National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004
Passed by both houses of Congress and cleared for The White House on December 8, 2004, this bill overhauls U.S. intelligence. (Also see the accompanying conference report.) The act creates a Director of National Intelligence with broad authority to unify intelligence gathering and operations. Additional provisions (1) require standards for state-issued identification; (2) authorize the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conduct surveillance of foreign nationals suspected of terrorism; (3) create a uniform security-clearance process; (4) allow federal prosecutors to share information from grand jury proceedings with law enforcement to prevent terrorist attacks; and (5) shift the burden of proof for (release/continued detention of) those detained for terrorist offenses from the government to the defense.
National Security Letters in Foreign Intelligence Investigations: A Glimpse of the Legal Background and Recent Amendments (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, March 21, 2006
Five statutory provisions vest government agencies responsible for certain foreign intelligence investigations (principally the Federal Bureau of Investigation) with the authority to issue written commands comparable to administrative subpoenas. These National Security Letters (NSLs) seek customer and consumer transaction information in national security investigations from communications providers, financial institutions, and credit agencies. Section 505 of the USA PATRIOT Act expanded the circumstances under which an NSL could be used. This is an abridged version of CRS Report RL33320, National Security Letters in Foreign Intelligence Investigations: Legal Background and Recent Amendments, without the footnotes, appendixes, and most of the citations to authority found in the longer report.
Overview of Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Law (PDF)
U.S. Department of Transportation, Research and Special Programs Administration, Hazardous Materials Safety
This document discusses federal hazmat law, hazardous materials regulations, enforcement, emergency response, and hazmat training sources.
Preparedness Against Terrorism Act of 2000 (H.R. 4210)
Referred to Senate committee on July 26, 2000, this bill requires the President to ensure that
federal emergency preparedness plans and programs are adequate and carried out in the event of
an act of terrorism or other catastrophic event.
Probable Cause, Reasonable Suspicion, and Reasonableness Standards in the Context of the Fourth Amendment and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
Congressional Research Service, January 30, 2006
This memorandum to the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence responds to a request for a brief description of the fourth amendment's probable cause, reasonable suspicion, and reasonableness standards.
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Public Law 93-288, as
amended, 42 U.S.C. 5121, et seq.) (PDF)
Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2003
The Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act provides the Federal Government with the
authority to respond to disasters and emergencies in order to provide assistance, save lives, and
protect public health, safety, and property. Such responses include establishing disaster
preparedness programs; providing funding for preparedness and prevention plans; and ensuring
that all appropriate federal agencies are prepared to issue disaster warnings to state and local
officials.
Terrorism: Section by Section Analysis of the USA Patriot Act (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress, December 2001
The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept
and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act, Public Law 107-56, is part of the congressional
response to September 11, 2001. This document offers a section-by-section analysis of the act.
Terrorist Penalties Enhancement Act of 2004 (H.R. 2394)
This act increases criminal penalties for fatal acts of terrorism and denies federal benefits for convicted terrorists.
 Testimony of FBI Director, Robert Mueller, and CIA Director, George Tenet, From February 11, 2003 Before the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
Read the full written testimony.
Tracking Current Federal Legislation and Regulations: A Guide to Basic Sources (PDF)
C.D. Davis, Congressional Research Service, January 13, 2005
This annual publication is a brief directory to various printed, online, and telephone sources that constituents can use to track federal legislation and regulations at the local level.
United States of America v. Hollis Wayne Fincher, No. 07-2514, No. 07-2888 (PDF)
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has affirmed the conviction of Fincher for possession of a machine gun and of an unregistered sawed-off shotgun. Fincher had argued that his possession of these guns was reasonably related to a well-regulated militia—a militia that he headed, but was not sponsored by any U.S. state. The court also said that he did not have an individual right to own a machine gun under the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision in District of Columbia et al. v. Heller.
United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2003 (S. 1152, Public Law 108-169) (PDF)
Signed by the President on December 6, 2003, this bill reauthorizes appropriations for the U.S.
Fire Administration and authorizes increased federal assistance in evaluating and standardizing
fire prevention and control technologies in preparation for state and local fire service responses
to national emergencies.
Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required To
Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (USA PATRIOT Act) of 2001 (H.R. 3162, Public
Law No. 107-56)
Signed into law on October 26, 2001, this act provides for enhanced domestic security against
terrorism, enhanced surveillance and intelligence procedures, mechanisms to detect and report
money laundering and currency crimes, enhanced immigrations provisions, and procedures for
cooperation and information sharing in investigating terrorism.
The USA PATRIOT Act
This web site, dedicated to the USA PATRIOT Act, is organized by specialized topics: major
speeches, dispelling the myths about the act, congressional votes, congressional explanations of
the act, support of the people, stories and articles, the full text of the act, and the anti-terror
record of accomplishments.
USA PATRIOT Act, Free Searchable Version
This tool allows users to search and analyze the complete legislative text from the USA PATRIOT Act (Public Law 107-56). Passed after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the act expands the authority of U.S. law enforcement to fight terrorist acts in the United States and abroad. Among its provisions, the USA PATRIOT Act amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R. 3199)
This law, intended "to extend and modify authorities needed to combat terrorism, and for other purposes,” passed the U.S. Senate on March 2, 2006.
USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005: A Legal Analysis (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, March 24, 2006
This report describes the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and discusses some modifications to law made by the USA PATRIOT Act Additional Reauthorizing Amendments Act of 2006. TOP
Economic & Fiscal Issues 1984 Act to Combat International Terrorism (H.R. 6311, Public Law No. 98-533)
This act established the Rewards for Justice Program, under which the U.S. Secretary of State
may offer rewards for information that prevents or favorably resolves acts of international
terrorism against U.S. persons or property worldwide. Rewards also may be paid for information
leading to the arrest or conviction of terrorists attempting, committing, conspiring to commit, or
aiding and abetting the commission of such acts.
2001 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Recovery From and Response To
Terrorist Attacks on the United States (H.R. 2888, Public Law No. 107-38)
Signed into law on September 18, 2001, this act makes emergency supplemental appropriations
for fiscal year 2001 for emergency expenses to respond to the September 11 terrorist attacks,
provide assistance for the victims, and deal with other consequences of the attacks.
A Bill To Authorize the President To Exercise Waivers of Foreign Assistance Restrictions
With Respect to Pakistan Through September 30, 2003, and for Other Purposes (S. 1465,
Public Law No. 107-57)
Signed into law on October 27, 2001, this act exempts Pakistan from certain provisions under the
Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year
2002, or any provision of the act for a prior fiscal year, that prohibit direct U.S. assistance to a
country whose duly elected head of government was deposed by decree or military coup.
Homeland Security Grant Enhancement Act of 2003 (S. 1245) (PDF)
Text of a Senate bill to provide for homeland security grant coordination and simplification. This
bill was referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs on June 12, 2003.
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) (U.S. Code Title 50, Chapter 35)
This act authorizes the President to regulate foreign economic transactions when a national
emergency is declared to deal with any unusual and extraordinary threat to the United States that
has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States. As amended after the
September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, it also provides the President with the authority to freeze
assets in which any foreign country or national has an interest. (For further information, please
see the U.S. Department of the Treasury's web page for the Office of Foreign Assets Control,
Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons and 31 Code of Federal Regulation, Part
595, Part 596, and Part 597.)
Public Safety Officer Benefits Bill (H.R. 2882, Public Law No. 107-37)
Signed into law on September 18, 2001, this act provides for expedited payment of death or
permanent disability benefits to qualified beneficiaries of public safety officers who were killed
or suffered a catastrophic injury in the line of duty in connection with the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001.
Rewards for Information Concerning Terrorist Acts and Espionage (U.S. Code Title 18,
Part II, Chapter 204)
An amendment to Section 3071 of this law authorizes the U.S. Attorney General to pay for
information that uncovers espionage activity, leads to the arrest and conviction of any persons
charged with an act of espionage against the United States (e.g., conspiring or attempting to
commit an act of espionage against the United States), or leads to the prevention or frustration of
an act of espionage against the United States. (To report suspected intelligence or terrorism
activities, call the FBI Field Office nearest you.)
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First Responders
Community Protection and Response Act of 2003 (H.R. 2878) (PDF)
108th U.S. Congress, 1st Session, July 24, 2003
Introduced by Representative Carolyn B. Maloney (New York), the Community Protection and
Response Act of 2003 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act to improve federal response efforts after a terrorist strike or other major disaster affecting
homeland security.
Emergency Preparedness and Response Act of 2003 (S. 930) (PDF)
108th U.S. Congress, 1st Session, April 28, 2003
Introduced by Senator James M. Jeffors (Vermont), the Emergency Preparedness and Response
Act of 2003 amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to
establish a program that provides assistance to enhance the ability of first responders to prepare
for and respond to all hazards.
First Responders Partnership Grant Act of 2003 (S. 466) (PDF)
Text of a Senate bill that authorizes the Secretary of Homeland Security to make grants to states,
local governments, and Indian tribes to support public safety officers in protecting homeland
security and responding to acts of terrorism.
Mychal Judge Police and Fire Chaplains Public Safety Officers' Benefit Act of 2002 (S.
2431, Public Law 107-196) (PDF)
This law was enacted on June 24, 2002 and applies to incidents that occurred on and after
September 11, 2001. It amends the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to
ensure that chaplains killed in the line of duty receive public safety officer death benefits.
Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (SSCRA) (50 U.S. Code Appendix, Section
510-593)
Many law enforcement officers and other first responders serve as reserve military personnel. For
civilians called to active service, some benefits of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act
include reduced interest rates on mortgage payments and credit card debt, protection against
eviction from residences having rents under $1,200, and delays in civil court actions.
Treasury Designates Director, Branches of Charity Bankrolling Al Qaida Network
U.S. Department of the Treasury, August 3, 2006
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has designated the Philippine and Indonesian branch offices of the Saudi-based International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO) for facilitating fund-raising for Al Qaeda and affiliated terrorist groups. The Treasury additionally designated Abd Al Hamid Sulaiman Al-Mujil as the Executive Director of the Eastern Province Branch of IIRO in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Medical & Public Health Issues
15 C.F.R. Part 744, Control Policy: End-User and End-Use Base
On March 30, 2005, the U.S. Department of Commerce adopted new requirements to help prevent sensitive chemical or biological items from being used as weapons. The rules expand the scope of export-licensing requirements to all destinations worldwide. (Before March 30, the license requirement only applied to shipments of listed chemicals and biological items to "certain countries of concern.") Sensitive items include chemical-weapons precursors, dual-use chemical-manufacturing equipment and technology, biological agents, and animal and plant pathogens.
HIPAA Privacy Rule: Disclosures for Emergency Preparedness—A Decision Tool
Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Emergency preparedness and recovery planners need access to information in an emergency. The federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy Rule protects individually identifiable health information held by "covered entities." The information protected is referred to as “protected health information” or PHI. The HIPAA Privacy Rule permits covered entities to disclose PHI for a variety of purposes. This tool presents avenues of information flow that could apply to emergency preparedness activities.
Project Bioshield Act of 2003 (S. 1504) (PDF)
U.S. Congress, July 2003
This bill would amend the Public Health Service Act to provide protections and countermeasures
against chemical, radiological, and nuclear agents that may be used in a terrorist attack against
the United States.
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002 (H.R.
3448, Public Law 107-188) (PDF)
Signed into law on June 12, 2002, this act was crafted by Congress to improve the ability of the
United States to prevent, prepare for, and respond to bioterrorism and other public health
emergencies. The Food and Drug Administration is charged with implementing this legislation
and has prepared an online resource to provide updates and allow continuing public discussion
on this process via the National Institutes of Health listserv, FDA-BIOTERRORISMACT.
Smallpox Emergency Personnel Protection Act of 2003 (H.R. 1770, Public Law No. 108-20)
(PDF)
Signed into law on April 30, 2003, this act authorizes benefits and other compensation for certain
individuals with injuries resulting from administration of smallpox countermeasures.
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Online Resources
2008 Appropriations Law Forum
The Government Accountability Office held its Annual Appropriations Law Forum on March 13, 2008 to coincide with the publication of the annual update of the third edition of volumes I and II of Principles of Federal Appropriations Law. The forum included an overview of significant decisions issued in 2007 and discussions of no-cost contracts and interagency transactions.
Active Legislation: 110th Congress (2007-2008)
United States Senate
Bills are listed alphabetically by popular name or subject with bill numbers so they are easy to find in THOMAS.
Amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, 1994–2006 (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, July 19, 2006
At the request of the House Intelligence Committee, the Congressional Research Service provides a list of prior amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, the 1978 law that governs surveillance of foreign intelligence targets within the United States.
Amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Set to Expire in 2009 (PDF)
Edward C. Liu, Congressional Research Service, January 6, 2009
This report reviews the status of recent amendments to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2009.
American Bar Association
This web site provides legal resources for students, attorneys, and the general public.
Authenticated Congressional Bills
GPO Access is providing legislative documents that are digitally signed and certified as official and authentic, in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF), beginning with the 111th Congress.
Intelligence Authorization Legislation: Status and Challenges (PDF)
Richard A. Best, Jr., Congressional Research Service, February 24, 2009
Although the National Security Act requires intelligence activities to be specifically authorized, this requirement has been satisfied in recent years by one-sentence catchall provisions in defense appropriations acts authorizing intelligence activities. This procedure meets the statutory requirement but has, according to some observers, weakened the ability of Congress to oversee intelligence activities. Other observers counter, however, that even without intelligence authorization acts, Congress makes its views known to the Intelligence Community and that defense authorization and appropriations acts provide adequate legislative authority for major acquisition efforts of agencies that are integral parts of the Department of Defense. This report examines these issues.
Legislation Related to the Attack of September 11, 2001
In 1995, under a directive from the 104th Congress, the Thomas Legislative Information on the
Internet web site began making federal legislative information available online. Since September
2001, this site has provided a selection of enacted and pending bills and resolutions to keep the
public aware of legislation related to terrorist attacks on the United States. Updates for this site
ended after the conclusion of the 107th Congress in 2002.
Legislative Branch Resources on GPO Access
This web portal provided by GPO Access enables users to search congressional bills, public and
private U.S. laws, the U.S. Code, and documents concerning the federal legislative branch.
National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) Issues: Terrorism
This portion of NDAA's web site provides links to terrorism-related legislation resources.
NCSL 50-State Legislative Tracking Web Resources
National Conference of State Legislatures, updated November 2007
The National Conference of State Legislatures developed this resource of 50-state compilations covering various issues that concern state legislators and legislative staff, including an alphabetical list of legislative and statutory databases, compilations, and state charts and maps.
Office of the Law Revision Council—About the Office and the United States Code
As provided by law, the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives has published searchable and downloadable versions of the U.S. Code. Although every effort has been made to ensure that the code database on this web site is accurate, those using it for legal research should verify their results against the printed version of the U.S. Code available through the U.S. Government Printing Office.
Regulations.gov
This U.S. government web site facilitates public participation in the federal regulatory process by allowing users to find, view, and comment on federal regulatory actions for all federal agencies.
Renditions: Constraints Imposed by Laws on Torture (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Updated April 5, 2006
Persons suspected of terrorist activity may be legally transferred from one country to another for arrest, detention, and interrogation. This usually is done through extradition: one country surrenders a person in its jurisdiction to a requesting country via a legal process established by treaty. Far less often, these transfers are handled through extraordinary rendition or irregular rendition. This report discusses relevant international and domestic law that restricts the transfer of persons to foreign countries where they may face torture, as well as legislative proposals to limit these transfers.
Statutory Interpretation: General Principles and Recent Trends (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Updated March 30, 2006
This updated report explains the principles of statutory interpretation used by the U.S. Supreme Court to interpret the law. The report identifies and describes some of the court's more important rules and conventions, and also discusses the renewed emphasis on statutory text and somewhat reduced emphasis on legislative history and other interpretive sources extrinsic to the text.
U.S. Courts: The Federal Judiciary
The official web site for the U.S. courts is a clearinghouse for information from and about the judicial branch of the U.S. Government. The site links to information about the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals, and U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts.
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Transportation Security Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (H.R. 2926, Public Law No. 107-42)
Signed into law on September 22, 2001, this act directs the President to take certain actions to
preserve the continued viability and security of the U.S. air transportation system. Title IV:
Victim Compensation establishes a victim compensation program for any individual who was
injured or killed as a result of the terrorist-related aircraft crashes of September 11, 2001.
Anti-Terrorism and Port Security Act of 2003 (S. 746) (PDF)
Text of a Senate bill to prevent and respond to terrorism and crime at or through ports.
Aviation and Transportation Security Act (S. 1447, Public Law No. 107-71)
Signed into law on November 19, 2001, this act establishes the Transportation Security
Administration to improve security in all modes of transportation, create and implement
protocols for dealing with threats to transportation, manage domestic transportation during a
national emergency, and manage security information.
Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-295)
Signed into law on November 25, 2002, this bill amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to
establish a program to ensure greater security for U.S. seaports. The act directs the Secretary of
Transportation to assess port vulnerability and to prepare a National Maritime Transportation
Antiterrorism Plan for deterring catastrophic emergencies.
Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous Cargoes; Electronic Submission, 69 Fed. Reg. 51,176 (2004) (33 C.F.R. Parts 104, 105, 160) (PDF)
The U.S. Coast Guard is changing its definition of "certain dangerous cargo" to include ammonium nitrate and certain ammonium nitrate fertilizers shipped in bulk, as well as propylene oxide, alone or mixed with ethylene oxide in bulk. The Coast Guard is also adding two options for vessels to submit notices of arrival electronically. This temporary final rule was published August 18, 2004 and becomes effective on September 17, 2004.
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Weapons of Mass Destruction
Chemical Safety Information, Site Security and Fuels Regulatory Relief Act (S. 880, Public
Law No. 106-40) (PDF)
This law, signed by President Clinton on August 5, 1999, requires the promulgation of
regulations that address public access to information about the worst possible impact that a
release of toxic or flammable chemicals from a facility could have on the nearby populace and
environment. The U.S. Department of Justice, which was tasked with describing the risks
associated with the release of off-site consequence analysis data, has documented its findings in
the Department of Justice "Assessment of the Increased Risk of Terrorist or Other Criminal
Activity Associated with Posting Off-Site Consequence Analysis Information on the Internet."
Chemical Weapons (U.S. Code Title 18, Part I, Chapter 11B)
This portion of the United States Code defines and prohibits illegal development, acquisition,
delivery, possession, and use of a chemical agent as a weapon and delineates investigative and
prosecutorial procedures for interdiction, which include military assistance to enforce prohibition
in certain emergencies.
Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Crimes, Biological Weapons (U.S. Code Title 18, Part I,
Chapter 10)
This portion of the United States Code defines and prohibits illegal development, acquisition,
delivery, possession, and use of a biological agent as a weapon and delineates investigative and
prosecutorial procedures for interdiction, which include military assistance to enforce prohibition
in certain emergencies.
Defense Against Weapons of Mass Destruction (Public Law 104-201, U.S. Code Title 50
Chapter 40)
This chapter of the U.S. Code directs the President and Secretary of Defense to take immediate
actions both to enhance the capability of the Federal Government to respond to terrorist incidents
and to support improvements in the capabilities of state and local emergency response agencies.
DHS Releases Comprehensive Regulations for Securing High Risk Chemical Facilities
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, April 2, 2007
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released an interim final rule that for the first time imposes comprehensive federal security regulations on high risk chemical facilities. The new rule gives DHS the authority to impose civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day and to shut down facilities that do not comply with regulations.
Secure Handling of Ammonium Nitrate Act of 2007 (H.R. 1680)
This bill was enacted to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security to regulate the sale of ammonium nitrate to prevent and deter the acquisition of ammonium nitrate by terrorists.
Terrorist Bombings Convention Implementation Act of 2002 (Title I) and Suppression of
the Financing of Terrorism Convention Implementation Act of 2002 (Title II) (H.R. 3275,
Public Law No. 107-197) (PDF)
This bill was enacted as Public Law Number 107-197 on June 25, 2002. Title I implements the
International Convention for the Suppression of Terrorist Bombings, which was signed by the
United States on January 12, 1998. This convention imposes legal obligations on state parties
either to submit for prosecution or to extradite any person within their jurisdiction who
unlawfully and intentionally delivers, places, discharges, or detonates an explosive or other lethal
device in, into, or against a place of public use, a state or government facility, a public
transportation system, or an infrastructure facility. Title II implements the International
Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism, which was signed by the United
States on January 10, 2000. This convention imposes legal obligations on state parties either to
submit for prosecution or to extradite any person within their jurisdiction who unlawfully and
willfully provides or collects funds with the intention that they should be used to carry out
various terrorist activities. State parties are subject to the obligations of these conventions
without regard to the place where the alleged acts included in these conventions take place.
Treasury Designates UK-Based Individuals, Entities Financing Al Qaeda-Affiliated LIFG
U.S. Department of the Treasury, February 8, 2006
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has designated five individuals and four entities under Executive Order 13224 for their roles in financing the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), an Al Qaeda affiliate known for engaging in terrorist activity in Libya and cooperating with Al Qaeda worldwide. Executive Order 13224 allows the Department of the Treasury to target the assets of terrorists and their financiers.
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