The United States government with the aim of enhancing the government security against both domestic and foreign terrorist activities enacted the USA PATRIOT Act. The provisions of the Act were to ensure the government put in place necessary investigatory equipment that would help the government to detect and neutralize these activities before it happens (Congress, 2002). However, the Act is modifiable to improve its effectiveness in counteracting terrorism.
Most importantly, the law should categorize the necessary tools for investigation set aside. In particular, this is because terrorism activities of the 21st century and beyond use high-level technology and therefore counteracting these activities requires both skilled human and technological expertise for appropriate detection. As a result, the PATRIOT Act should clarify the appropriate tools for the different types of possible terrorist activities. Consequently, this would be readily achievable by advancing the technical terrorist detection capabilities as provide by in section (103) of the Act (Congress, 2002).
Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act
The United States Congress passed this Act with the aim of increasing security in food supply across the country. The law provided new guidelines in the country regarding the registration, possession, use and supply of health insecurity-related agents and toxins that are modifiable to cause massive health security concerns (Homeland Security, 2016).Ideally, this comprises of health insecurity of plants, animals, and the United States’ citizens.
Finally, to ensure security in the handling of such agents and chemicals the law in combination with the USA PATRIOT Act set out guidelines for the people required to handle certain specified agents and toxins. All the restricted personnel would be charged with terrorism charges if found in possession of the toxins. For example, section 305 of the Act requires the owner or operator of one of the toxins to get clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (Homeland Security, 2016). Despite the effectiveness in increasing food safety in the country, the law locked out most people from accessing certain agents that would have been useful for other developmental activities in the country. For instance, the United States citizens who could not meet the requirements will not access the toxins and agents in spite of the good ideas they may have.
References
Congress. (2002). H.R.3162 - 107th Congress (2001-2002): Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress. Retrieved from https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/3162
Homeland Security. (2016). Counterterrorism Laws & Regulations | Homeland Security. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/counterterrorism-laws-regulations
