Congressional Oversight & Policy — 2026-03-20

Section 702 Expires April 20 With No Clear Reauthorization Vehicle

FISA Section 702, reauthorized for only two years under RISAA in 2024 -- the shortest extension ever -- expires April 20. The White House wants a clean extension; reformers demand warrant requirements. Neither the SAFE Act nor the Government Surveillance Reform Act has committee scheduling. The Iran war provides political cover for a no-conditions renewal but also consumes the legislative oxygen needed to pass anything.

Analysis
The INTSUM tracked Cotton's push for an 18-month clean extension using the Iran war as leverage (March 16). The Brookings analysis confirms the administration's strategy: avoid all reform provisions while the war creates urgency for renewal without conditions.