The U.S. House of Representatives voted Thursday to extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for another 45 days.
The last-minute extension of FISA came as lawmakers continue to try to hammer out details of the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act (FIAA), which is supposed to reform some of the more objectionable aspects of the warrantless spying program.
All of Alabama’s federal delegation voted on the FISA extension, except U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), who is listed as not having cast a vote. The Senate also passed the extension by voice vote on Thursday before sending it to the House, making an exact tally impossible.
The House approved the FIAA on Wednesday. However, this vote went along party lines, with Republicans in Alabama’s delegation voting in favor and Democrats voting against. The FIAA extends FISA for three years.
Although FISA is designed to allow intelligence agencies to monitor foreign threats, critics argue that it enables widespread and warrantless searches of Americans' private communications. Critics also point to multiple oversight failures, including misused queries and non-compliance.
Although the FIAA that passed out of the House on Wednesday included previous reforms and implemented enhanced criminal penalties for illegally accessing the data of U.S. citizens, it did not include a warrant provision, which would require approval before reviewing any information collected on Americans who communicate with overseas individuals.
The warrant requirement has long been one of the biggest sticking points for more hardline lawmakers focused on Americans’ right to privacy.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) released a statement following the FIAA’s approval, saying it was critical to homeland security.
“We must ensure the American people are protected against threats to our homeland, while also defending the constitutional rights of every citizen,” Strong said. “This legislation, which is fully supported by President Trump, builds on the significant reforms previously enacted by Congress to ensure FISA cannot be weaponized to target American citizens or political opponents and gives the President critical tools to stop foreign threats.”
President Donald Trump has been pushing for an extension to FISA, which surprised many, considering it was the same program used against him in the infamous “Russiagate” hoax.
“I am willing to risk the giving up of my Rights and Privileges as a Citizen for our Great Military and Country!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Our Military Patriots desperately need FISA 702, and it is one of the reasons we have had such tremendous SUCCESS on qthe battlefield. I have spoken with many in our Military who say FISA is necessary in order to protect our Troops overseas, as well as our people here at home, from the threat of Foreign Terror Attacks. It has already prevented MANY such Attacks, and it is very important that it remain in full force and effect.”
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