Speaker Johnson Withdraws FISA Reform Legislation, Announces House Will Extend Authorization

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Tuesday that following the withdrawal of competing bills to reform and extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), Congress will opt for a temporary extension to adhere to its December 31 expiration date.

The Rules Committee, facing significant backlash, has withdrawn two proposed bills intended to reauthorize and reform a powerful surveillance tool used by American intelligence agencies, leading to the decision not to hold votes on these bills this week.

The initial strategy involved presenting both bills to the floor, enabling members to cast their votes for either. The bill garnering the most votes would then be the one advanced by the House.

The primary subject of dispute is Section 702 of the FISA, which allows the government to carry out surveillance without warrants on non-U.S. citizens abroad to collect foreign intelligence.

“There’s still some disagreement about a couple of those key provisions,” Johnson stated. “I am not one who wants to rush this.”

With the postponement of the bills to next year, there is now theoretically more time for committees to reconcile their differences. Additionally, the House is anticipated to vote on the National Defense Authorization Act this Thursday, which encompasses a brief extension of FISA until April 19, 2024. However, this extension is also facing opposition from some members.

There is a documented history of FISA abuses, leading to a consensus on the need for reforms. However, there is disagreement on the specifics of what these reforms should entail.

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