What did the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 primarily do?

The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 primarily expanded government surveillance and arrest powers in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The act was designed to enhance the federal government's ability to monitor and prevent terrorist activities by broadening the tools available for law enforcement and intelligence agencies. This included provisions that allowed for easier access to personal records, increased authority for wiretaps and surveillance, and more flexible rules for detaining and deporting suspected terrorists. The goal of these measures was to better protect national security by enabling a more proactive and responsive approach to potential threats.

While other options present various significant aspects of U.S. policy, they do not accurately describe the main functions and impacts of the USA PATRIOT Act, which focused particularly on expanding surveillance and arrest powers within the context of counterterrorism efforts.