To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Crawford, Eric A. "Rick" [R-AR-1]
- Committees
- Intelligence (Permanent Select) Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 11, 2026
Bottom line
This bill provides a brief, 20-day extension of critical foreign intelligence surveillance authorities under FISA Title VII, preventing their immediate lapse and allowing for further congressional deliberation.
What it actually does
This bill enacts a temporary, 20-day extension of the authorities under Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) of 1978, which includes Section 702. It amends the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to shift the sunset date for these authorities from June 12, 2026, to July 2, 2026, preventing their immediate expiration.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this short extension is essential to prevent a dangerous lapse in vital national security intelligence collection capabilities, which are crucial for monitoring foreign adversaries and preventing terrorist attacks. They contend that it provides Congress with necessary additional time to debate and pass a more comprehensive reauthorization or reform package without jeopardizing ongoing intelligence operations.
Opponents contend
Opponents may argue that even a brief extension without substantive reforms perpetuates authorities they view as problematic for civil liberties and privacy. They might contend that Congress should use the looming expiration deadline to force meaningful changes to Section 702, particularly concerning the potential for surveillance of U.S. persons and the need for greater transparency and oversight.
The bill is exceptionally short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to quickly understand its direct impact and purpose.
Section 1(a)
Extension of FISA Title VII Authorities
This section amends the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to change the expiration date for the authorities granted under Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978. Specifically, it extends the sunset date for these powers, which include Section 702, from June 12, 2026, to July 2, 2026. This action ensures that these foreign intelligence collection capabilities remain active for an additional 20 days.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this extension is absolutely necessary to prevent a dangerous lapse in critical foreign intelligence collection capabilities, which are vital for national security against terrorist threats and foreign adversaries. They contend that a short extension provides Congress with necessary time to deliberate on a more comprehensive reauthorization without jeopardizing ongoing operations.
Critics contend
Critics argue that even a temporary extension without reforms misses an opportunity to address long-standing concerns about civil liberties, privacy, and the potential for abuse of Section 702 authorities, particularly regarding the querying of U.S. person data. They might contend that Congress should use the looming deadline to force meaningful reforms.
Tradeoffs
This provision navigates the tension between maintaining continuous foreign intelligence collection capabilities deemed vital for national security and addressing concerns about civil liberties and privacy associated with Section 702, opting for a temporary continuation to allow for further debate.