Conservative holdouts in the House of Representatives are showing signs of support for modifications proposed to the legislation reauthorizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This shift comes after a procedural vote related to the bill failed, causing a setback for House Republican leadership.
The revised version of the bill now proposes a two-year reauthorization period instead of the initially proposed five years. This adjustment means that if former President Donald Trump were to win the upcoming presidential election, the legislation would be up for review during his potential second term, allowing for potential changes to FISA laws.
Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida expressed optimism about the new version, stating that it provides an opportunity for President Trump to address issues he faced under the previous FISA laws. Gaetz pledged to support the rule vote on the floor, which is expected to take place soon.
The House Rules Committee voted to bring the revised FISA reauthorization bill to the floor for debate, with the legislation scheduled for discussion on Friday morning. Hardliners within the GOP view the two-year reauthorization as a significant win and have secured an agreement for a separate floor vote on data privacy legislation next week.
Several Republican representatives, including Cory Mills of Florida and Chip Roy of Texas, have indicated a growing openness to supporting the rule following concessions made by party leadership. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida confirmed her support for the rule vote, citing positive negotiations.
Majority Leader Steve Scalise revealed that GOP leadership has been in discussions with President Trump regarding the bill. Scalise highlighted that the two-year sunset provision in the new version of the bill has garnered broad appeal among members.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to meet with President Trump in Florida on Friday to further discuss the FISA reauthorization bill. The evolving developments suggest a potential shift in support for the legislation among conservative lawmakers.
