The PATRIOT Act turned out just to be Act 1. the Domestic Security Enhancement Act (DSEA), is Act 2.
Among many other things, it would create a new federal felony of willfully using encryption during the commission of a felony, punishable by “no more than five years” in prison plus a hefty fine. As this article says, as encryption becomes more and more common in electronic transmissions, it’s like making it illegal to breath air during the commission of a felony.
Another fine feature of the act is that engaging in the lawful activities of a group designated as a “terrorist organization” by the Attorney General could be presumptive grounds for expatriation. And since it’s a national security issue, you’re no longer entitled to a trial.
