Passed after the September 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks, and published by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the USA Patriot Act expands the authority of the U.S. law enforcement for the stated purpose of combating terrorist attacks in the United States and abroad.  The USA Patriot Act is an acronym for Uniting and Strengthing America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.  Anyone conducting a financial transaction is required to determine if the entity or individuals with whom they are transacting, are listed on the Specially Designated Nation's and Blocked Persons List (SDN).