Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Protection Act

Citation: Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Protection Act (P.L. 108-458).

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Protection Act was passed largely in response to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, which investigated the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Among its many provisions, the act creates a Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (Section 1061), composed of five members, two of whom (the chairman and vice-chairman) must be confirmed by the Senate. The Board’s mandate is to ensure that privacy and civil liberties are not neglected when implementing terrorism-related laws, regulations, and policies. The 9/11 Commission had recommended creation of such a Board because of concern that the USA PATRIOT Act, enacted soon after the attacks, shifts the balance of power to the government.