House Passes FISA Reauthorization 259-128, Moves to Senate Before April 19 Expiry

Apr 16, 2024, 05:15 PM

The U.S. House of Representatives recently faced significant debates and votes regarding the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), specifically Section 702, which permits warrantless surveillance. Despite opposition from several members, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and others who pushed for amendments requiring warrants to protect citizens' Fourth Amendment rights, the House ultimately passed the reauthorization. The bill, which lacked these key privacy protections, was approved with a vote of 259-128 and is now set to be considered by the Senate before the current authorization expires on April 19. The controversy centers around the warrantless surveillance powers that many lawmakers, as well as privacy advocates, argue infringe on citizens' rights. Notably, 86 Republicans voted against and 117 voted in favor of blocking the reconsideration of the FISA reauthorization.