House GOP Leaders Aim for 18-Month Extension of Spy Powers

Renewal of Section 702 surveillance authorities could hit the floor in mid-April.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 6:33pm

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House Republican leaders plan to advance an 18-month extension of a key surveillance law known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, ahead of an expiration deadline next month. The White House is backing the extension, but some lawmakers support new restrictions on intelligence agencies. GOP leaders are eyeing a floor vote the week of April 13, though they haven't ruled out attaching the FISA reauthorization to an elections bill.

Why it matters

The renewal of Section 702, which allows the government to collect data on noncitizens abroad without a warrant, is a contentious issue for some conservatives who were upset when it was extended in 2024. The outcome could impact the balance between national security and civil liberties.

The details

House Intelligence Chair Rick Crawford (R-Ark.) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said GOP leaders plan to advance the 18-month extension of Section 702 ahead of the April 20 expiration deadline. The White House is backing the extension, but some lawmakers want new restrictions on intelligence agencies. Republican leaders are eyeing a floor vote the week of April 13, though they haven't ruled out attaching the FISA reauthorization to an elections bill as President Trump has suggested.

  • The Section 702 authorities are set to expire on April 20, 2026.
  • House GOP leaders are eyeing a floor vote on the 18-month extension during the week of April 13, 2026.

The players

Rick Crawford

Republican Congressman from Arkansas and Chair of the House Intelligence Committee.

Steve Scalise

Republican Congressman from Louisiana and House Majority Leader.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States who has endorsed attaching the FISA reauthorization to an elections bill.

Mike Johnson

Republican Congressman from Louisiana and Speaker of the House.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to be talking to all our members, like on any big issue. But the president's made it clear why it's important.”

— Steve Scalise, House Majority Leader

“Maybe you put them together, because a lot of people feel very strongly about FISA.”

— Donald Trump

“I'm open to whatever it takes to get things done and sometimes, you've got to be creative to get things done. It's definitely a strategic way of getting it across the finish line potentially. We just have to see if that's the appropriate course of action.”

— Rick Crawford, House Intelligence Chair

What’s next

The House is expected to hold a floor vote on the 18-month extension of Section 702 surveillance authorities during the week of April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The renewal of the controversial Section 702 program, which allows the government to collect data on noncitizens abroad without a warrant, remains a divisive issue within the Republican party. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance between national security and civil liberties.