In response to the September 11 attacks and the 2001 anthrax attacks , Congress swiftly passed legislation to strengthen national security . On October 23 , 2001 , Republican Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner introduced H.R. 3162 incorporating provisions from a previously-sponsored House bill and a Senate bill also introduced earlier in the month . The next day , the Act passed the House by a vote of 357 – 66 , with Democrats comprising the overwhelming portion of dissent . The three Republicans voting " no " were Robert Ney of Ohio , Butch Otter of Idaho , and Ron Paul of Texas . On October 25 , the Act passed the Senate by a 98 – 1 vote , the only dissident being Russ Feingold of Wisconsin
2001 anthrax attacks
2001 anthrax attacks
Patriot Act