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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
HOUSEH.Res. 1175· 119th Congress

Extend federal spy surveillance powers to 2027

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 8035) 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.

Sponsor
Austin Scott (R-GA)
Introduced
Apr 15, 2026
Last Action
Apr 17, 2026
Passage
15%
Introduced
Apr 15, 2026
2
Committee
3
Floor Vote
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Extends Title VII of FISA (Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) authorities through October 20, 2027.
  • Title VII allows the government to monitor communications of foreign intelligence targets without individual warrants.
  • This is a reauthorization of existing surveillance tools, not new powers.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Affects: Intelligence agencies (NSA, FBI, CIA) and their ability to conduct overseas surveillance operations.
  • Tradeoff: Enables faster foreign threat detection versus civil liberties advocates' concerns about scope and oversight.
  • Congress must periodically reauthorize these powers or they expire—this extends the deadline by roughly one year.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Failed in the House on April 17, 2026 (197-228 vote). The procedural motion to consider the bill was rejected.
  • Supporters can attempt to bring it back for another vote or negotiate a revised version.
  • Track this bill at Congress.gov; contact your House representative if you want to express a position on surveillance authority.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Apr 17, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • Apr 17, 2026On agreeing to the resolution Failed by recorded vote: 197 - 228 (Roll no. 124).
  • Apr 16, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 1175.
  • Apr 16, 2026Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H2948-2955; text: CR H2948)
  • Apr 15, 2026Placed on the House Calendar, Calendar No. 71.
  • Apr 15, 2026Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 8035 with 1 hour of general debate. Motion to recommit allowed. Bill is closed to amendments.
  • Apr 15, 2026The House Committee on Rules reported an original measure, H. Rept. 119-610, by Mr. Scott, Austin.