What is the name of the set of laws that allows the government to access personal records and phone calls to combat domestic terrorism?

The USA PATRIOT Act is the name of the legislation enacted in response to the September 11 attacks in 2001, aimed at enhancing the government's ability to detect and prevent terrorism. This act expanded the authority of law enforcement agencies to access personal records, including communication data such as phone calls and emails, to facilitate investigations related to domestic and international terrorism.

The significance of the USA PATRIOT Act lies in its provision for surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations with the intention of securing the nation from attacks. Its comprehensive approach combines various tools and methods that allow agencies greater latitude in their investigations, which is critical in an environment perceived as a heightened threat to national security.

While the "Patriot Act" is a common shorthand for the legislation, the official title is the "USA PATRIOT Act," which stands for "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism." This underscores the legislation's focus not only on prevention but also on law enforcement capabilities in the face of terrorist threats.

The significance of the other acts listed, such as the Homeland Security Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, exists in different contexts or areas of law enforcement and national security but does not specifically refer to the