The Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) legislation has been amended more than once, and most significantly by the: Federal Judgeship Act of 1990 2001 PATRIOT Act Federal Intelligence Act of 1998 Customs and Terrorism Act of 2004

## Step 1<br />The Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978 is a United States federal law that provides procedures for the physical and electronic surveillance and collection of "foreign intelligence information" between foreign powers and agents of foreign powers suspected of espionage or terrorism. <br /><br />## Step 2<br />The FISA has been amended several times since its enactment. The most significant amendment to the FISA was the 2001 USA PATRIOT Act. <br /><br />## Step 3<br />The USA PATRIOT Act, which stands for "Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001," was passed in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. <br /><br />## Step 4<br />The USA PATRIOT Act expanded the scope of the FISA, allowing for increased surveillance and detention of suspected terrorists. This act significantly expanded the government's surveillance capabilities, particularly in relation to terrorism.