Bill would extend foreign surveillance law to October 2027

In committeeH.R. 8035Latest action Apr 17, 2026

Sponsor: Eric A. "Rick" Crawford · Representative · AR

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record

Read the official text

Official title: To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through October 20, 2027, and for other purposes.

119th Congress

Topics: Security & foreign affairs

Introduced: March 24, 2026

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.

HR 8035 extends the expiration of FISA Title VII, including Section 702 surveillance, to October 20, 2027.

40-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

HR 8035 pushes back the expiration date for Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which includes the Section 702 program, to October 20, 2027. It also updates related transition rules so wind-down procedures stay consistent with the new deadline. It does not create new surveillance powers or change how the programs operate.

Who does it affect?

National security and intelligence agencies, including the NSA and FBI, rely on these authorities to gather foreign intelligence. The general public is indirectly affected because Section 702 surveillance can incidentally include Americans' communications.

Why does it matter?

The extension keeps existing surveillance tools active for about two more years instead of letting them expire or forcing immediate renegotiation. It maintains the status quo on a program that has drawn ongoing debate over oversight and privacy protections.

AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

Make the call

Three steps: where you stand, your script, the call.

Where do you stand?

Where does it stand?

IntroducedMar 24, 2026
House committeeYou are here · Apr 17, 2026
House vote
Senate
The president's desk

Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.

Latest action: April 17, 2026 — Rule H. Res. 1175 failed passage of House.

See how a call works

Share on WhatsApp

How it's being covered

Coverage of this bill from across the press. Each outlet's political lean is labeled where AllSides has rated it, and marked "Not rated" where it has not.

Newest of these articles: May 5, 2026

Coverage of this bill so far comes from one side of the spectrum. Read it with that in mind.

foxnews.com
Leans right
Reporter’s Notebook: Congress passes short-term FISA 702 fix, delays long-term renewal
May 5, 2026
“Congress approved a 45-day extension of FISA Section 702 after weeks of infighting over the controversial surveillance program, with another deadline looming in...” — foxnews.com
dailycaller.com
Leans right
Congress Punts FISA Reauthorization Another Six Weeks
Apr 30, 2026
“Congress temporarily extended a spy tool granting the U.S. government the ability to surveil its citizens' communications Thursday.” — dailycaller.com
therecord.media
Not rated
Congress punts FISA renewal to June
Apr 30, 2026
“The latest House action came after the Senate declared the previous bill dead on arrival because it included a ban on the Federal Reserve’s ability to issue a...” — therecord.media
washingtontimes.com
Leans right
Senate Republicans aim for 45-day FISA extension
Apr 30, 2026
“Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Republicans have urged their Democratic colleagues to agree to extend the expiring federal surveillance law for another 4...” — washingtontimes.com
newser.com
Not rated
House Approves 3 Years of FISA
Apr 30, 2026
“The House has signed off on keeping a major surveillance tool in place, voting 235-191 on Wednesday to extend the government's warrantless spying authority unde...” — newser.com

Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.