US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB8322

Introduced
4/16/26  
Refer
4/16/26  
Engrossed
4/17/26  
Enrolled
4/17/26  
Passed
4/18/26  
Chaptered
4/18/26  

Caption

To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through April 30, 2026, and for other purposes.

Impact

The extension of Title VII authorities is significant as it continues to sanction the collection of foreign intelligence data and telecommunications metadata. This bill is intended to support the federal government's surveillance activities, which proponents argue are critical for preventing terrorism and enhancing national security. However, the bill's implications also raise questions about the adequacy of privacy protections for U.S. citizens, as Title VII allows for certain surveillance activities without direct oversight, heightening concerns about potential abuses of power.

Summary

House Bill 8322 aims to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities outlined in Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) through April 30, 2026. The extension seeks to maintain the existing intelligence-gathering capabilities that have been employed for national security purposes, allowing federal agencies to continue their surveillance practices. This legislative action underscores the ongoing need for balancing national security interests with civil liberties and privacy concerns, which have been significant points of contention in discussions surrounding surveillance laws.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB8322 has been marked by sharp divisions among lawmakers and civil liberties advocates. Supporters argue that the bill is essential for national security and that the surveillance measures it extends are vital for combating threats. Conversely, opponents express concerns about the erosion of privacy rights and the lack of transparency in how surveillance powers are exercised. Critics argue that the bill perpetuates a system that can infringe upon the rights of individuals without sufficient checks and balances, calling for more stringent oversight mechanisms to protect civil liberties.

Notable_points

The bill also introduces provisions aimed at ensuring that information obtained through surveillance is handled in a manner that respects individual privacy. While the legislation seeks to address some privacy concerns, the fundamental debate persists about whether the extensions are necessary and whether adequate safeguards are in place to protect citizens from unwarranted surveillance. As discussions progress, the balance between security needs and protecting personal freedoms continues to be a focal point of contention.

Companion Bills

US HB7816

Related Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act of 2026 Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act

US HB8035

Related 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.

US SB4465

Related A bill to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.

Previously Filed As

US HB8035

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.

US HB8512

To amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through April 20, 2029, and for other purposes.

US SB4444

A bill to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through May 21, 2026, and for other purposes.

US SB4465

A bill to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.

US HR1175

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.

US SB4342

A bill to extend section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 for 18 months.

US SB4344

A bill to extend section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 for 3 years.

US HB7816

Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act of 2026 Fourth Amendment Is Not For Sale Act

US SB4402

A bill to require a report on the use of artificial intelligence with respect to access to unminimized information collected pursuant to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, and for other purposes.

US HR38

Memorializes Congress to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and to restore the rights of privacy and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.