Which agency is authorized to maintain records for individuals who are known or suspected terrorists?

The Terrorist Screening Center (TSC) is the correct answer because it is specifically established to maintain comprehensive watch lists of individuals who are known or suspected of being involved in terrorism. This includes managing the Terrorist Watchlist, which contains the names of individuals who may pose a threat to national security. The TSC serves as a vital resource for various law enforcement and government agencies, coordinating efforts to ensure that information on potential terrorist threats is effectively shared and acted upon.

While the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and National Security Agency each play significant roles in national security and intelligence gathering, they do not have the specific mandate to maintain the comprehensive records that the TSC oversees regarding suspected or known terrorists. The FBI manages investigations and law enforcement activities associated with these individuals; the Department of Homeland Security focuses on protecting the homeland from various threats; and the National Security Agency is more centered on signal intelligence and cyber defense. However, the TSC is unique in its dedicated function to track and manage terrorist screening information across different government entities.