Twenty-five years after the September 11 attacks, counterterrorism efforts have become a regular part of daily life for many Americans. Airport security measures, such as body scanners and restrictions on carrying liquids, remain in place, though some rules, like removing shoes during screening, have been relaxed over time. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), created in 2001, continues to manage airport security by checking passengers against watchlists and verifying identities. These procedures were introduced to prevent another attack and have since become a standard part of air travel. The USA Patriot Act, signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2001, gave federal agencies more power to conduct surveillance and share information between intelligence and law enforcement. Some of its provisions were intended to be temporary, but many have since been made permanent. In 2002, the Department of Homeland Security was established to consolidate 22 federal agencies under one organization, and the National Counterterrorism Center was formed to analyze and share intelligence about potential terrorist threats. These changes aimed to improve coordination and response to security risks. Over time, the focus of federal agencies like the FBI has shifted from traditional criminal investigations to counterterrorism. The entire federal government has adapted its priorities to emphasize security, particularly in the wake of 9/11. However, public concern about terrorism has declined, with recent surveys showing it is no longer among the top issues Americans worry about. Current concerns include economic factors like inflation and employment, as well as issues like artificial intelligence, immigration, and climate change. The expansion of surveillance and data collection under post-9/11 policies sparked significant public debate in 2013 when former intelligence contractor Edward Snowden exposed the extent of government monitoring programs. Although the debate eventually subsided, many of these security measures have become normalized. A generation of Americans has now grown up without experiencing a time when such protocols were not in place. Experts note that the systems created after 9/11 have also been used to address other threats, such as drug trafficking and immigration enforcement. The National Counterterrorism Center, for example, has broadened its focus to include transnational gangs labeled as foreign terrorist organizations. While some Americans, like Steven E., a Manhattan resident and Vietnam War veteran, acknowledge the trade-off between security and privacy, they stress the importance of maintaining oversight. The legacy of 9/11 continues to influence American life, with counterterrorism measures now seen as routine, even if their origins are no longer widely recognized.