Senate bill tightens FBI surveillance rules, bars digital dollar

What does this do?

The bill sets new rules for how the FBI can search data collected under a federal surveillance law, including requiring lawyer approval and monthly oversight reports, and extends that law through April 2029. It also permanently bars the Federal Reserve from creating or issuing a central bank digital currency in any form. Private digital currencies that are open and protect user privacy are not affected.

Who does it affect?

These rules affect ordinary Americans whose personal data could be caught up in government surveillance, as well as the FBI, the Federal Reserve, and members of Congress who oversee intelligence programs.

Why does it matter?

The new surveillance rules change how federal agents access data about Americans and create criminal penalties for FBI employees who break those rules or lie about following them. The digital currency ban prevents the Federal Reserve from ever launching or testing a government-run digital dollar.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• FBI staff face up to 5 years in prison
• For illegal searches or lying about rules