What is the Fisa law Trump wants extended and why are lawmakers resisting?
Summary
The US Congress voted to temporarily extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for 10 days after failing to approve a longer extension. The law allows intelligence agencies to gather foreign intelligence from US telecom companies, but some lawmakers oppose it due to concerns about warrantless surveillance of Americans.Key Facts
- FISA is a law from 1978 that controls how intelligence agencies collect foreign information and involves telecom companies.
- Section 702 of FISA, added in 2008, lets agencies collect communications of non-US persons outside the US without a warrant.
- This section can also collect data on Americans who communicate with those foreign targets.
- Some lawmakers from both parties want to reform the law to stop warrantless searches of Americans’ data.
- President Trump wants an 18-month extension of FISA without any changes.
- Critics argue that Section 702 allows mass surveillance without court approval, which raises privacy concerns.
- National security officials say Section 702 is essential for preventing terrorism, espionage, and other threats.
- The law was due to expire but was extended temporarily by unanimous votes in the House and Senate to allow more time for negotiations.
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