Our greatest responsibility is the active defense of the American people. Twenty-eight months have passed since September 11th, 2001 - over two years without an attack on American soil. And it is tempting to believe that the danger is behind us. That hope is understandable, comforting - and false. The terrorists continue to plot against America and the civilized world. And by our will and courage, this danger will be defeated.
Inside the United Stales, where the war began, we must continue to give our homeland security and law enforcement personnel every tool they need to defend us. And one of those essential tools is the Patriot Act, which allows federal law enforcement to better share information, to track terrorists, to disrupt their cells, and to seize their assets. For years, we have used similar provisions to catch embezzlers and drug traffickers.