Conservatives who previously opposed the reauthorization of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) appear to be more open to the proposed modifications to the legislation, which would make it a two-year reauthorization instead of five years. This change would allow for a potential overhaul of FISA laws if former President Donald Trump were to win the presidential election. Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz expressed support for the revised bill, stating that it gives President Trump an opportunity to address issues he faced with the system. The House Rules Committee voted to bring the bill to the floor for debate.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has established a classified reading room for members to view information related to FISA ahead of the vote. The goal is to convince every member of the importance of passing the bill for national security reasons. Johnson is working to secure the votes needed for the bill to pass, as the margin is slim. Hardliners view the two-year reauthorization as a significant win and have secured an agreement for a separate vote on data privacy legislation from Rep. Warren Davidson of Ohio.
Republican Rep. Cory Mills of Florida, who was previously undecided on the rule vote, indicated that he is warming up to the idea following concessions from GOP leadership. He emphasized that his support for the underlying legislation hinges on the adoption of the Davidson amendment. Rep. Chip Roy of Texas expressed optimism about the progress being made but stressed the need for further conversations to secure votes. Other Republicans, including Anna Paulina Luna of Florida and Ralph Norman of South Carolina, also expressed satisfaction with the changes made to the bill.
GOP leadership has been in contact with Trump regarding the changes to the bill, with Majority Leader Steve Scalise stating that the new version makes it easier to pass. Scalise noted that there have been conversations with Trump about FISA and that the two-year sunset provision has broad appeal. Johnson is set to meet with Trump in Florida to discuss the bill further. Despite initial holdouts, it appears that conservatives are increasingly open to the modified legislation and are working towards securing the necessary votes for passage. The story continues to develop with additional updates.
