During which presidential administration was the first comprehensive counterterrorism legislation passed in the United States?

The first comprehensive counterterrorism legislation in the United States was passed during the administration of William Jefferson Clinton. Specifically, in response to growing concerns over terrorism, the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act was enacted in 1996. This legislation aimed to enhance law enforcement capabilities, improve coordination among government agencies, and mitigate the threat of terrorism through various measures, including the expansion of penalties for terrorist acts and the establishment of new procedures to combat terrorism.

This period marked a significant shift in how the United States approached national security and terrorism, setting a foundation for future legislation and actions taken in subsequent administrations. Understanding this context highlights the evolution of counterterrorism strategies and legislation in response to increasing domestic and international terror threats.