Congressional Oversight & Policy — 2026-03-20

Bipartisan Government Surveillance Reform Act Targets Data Broker Loophole

Senators Lee, Wyden, and Rep. Davidson introduced the Government Surveillance Reform Act, which would close the data broker loophole allowing agencies to purchase Americans' location and browsing data without warrants. The bill also reforms Section 702 querying procedures. This is the second 702 reform vehicle alongside the SAFE Act, fragmenting the reform coalition 31 days before expiration.

Analysis
This is the third Section 702 reform vehicle alongside the SAFE Act and Cotton's clean extension. The data broker loophole closure is new -- prior briefs tracked only the warrant requirement debate. Three competing bills with 31 days remaining increases lapse probability.