US (Washington Insider Magazine)— Conservative holdouts appear to be warming to a revised version of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) reauthorization, which could bring the bill to a vote in the House on Friday. The key change—a two-year reauthorization instead of the original five-year term—gives former President Donald Trump a chance to overhaul the law if he wins the presidency in 2024. Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz framed the revision as a significant victory for Trump, who would have the opportunity to address what he sees as a system that wronged him during his presidency.
The House Rules Committee voted 8-4 Thursday to advance the modified FISA bill, with hardline Republicans expressing satisfaction with the changes. The new version is seen as more palatable to GOP members, particularly after concessions were made to appease their concerns. Gaetz also noted that next week, Republicans will hold a separate vote on data privacy legislation, which hardliners see as another win.
Speaker Mike Johnson is working to secure votes by providing members with classified briefings, hoping to convince them of the bill’s importance for national security. Johnson is also in communication with Trump, who had previously called for the repeal of FISA but is now reportedly more open to the two-year sunset provision.
Despite these concessions, some members remain undecided, with Rep. Cory Mills of Florida signaling he is closer to supporting the bill but still awaiting further assurances. As negotiations continue, Republicans are optimistic about passing the reauthorization, which is crucial to their legislative agenda amid a slim majority.
