Legislation extending the parts of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act failed on the House floor after former President Donald Trump urged Republicans to reject efforts to reauthorize the law, which permits certain forms of warrantless surveillance by the U.S. government. In a post on Truth Social directed at lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Trump wrote: “KILL FISA, IT WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS. THEY SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN!!!”
The former President’s move presented a considerable challenge to Republican defense hawks and their efforts to secure the votes to pass a reauthorization of the controversial law. House Republicans have been grappling with two separate bills addressing the future of FISA for several months now.
Despite the backlash, Republican House leadership proceeded with a vote on the bill Wednesday afternoon. The bill aimed to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, making only minor amendments. At least sixteen House Republicans opposed the rule to begin debate on the legislation, effectively blocking its path to adoption. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) had already voiced his intention to thwart the legislation earlier in the day.
Prior to the vote, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY)– the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee – said he believed the rule vote to begin debate on FISA reauthorization would fail.