Rep. Sheri Biggs to Newsmax: FISA Reform Key to Security

Representative Sheri Biggs, a South Carolina Republican, hit Newsmax 'America Right Now' on Saturday, June 20, to emphasize that while Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has technically lapsed, robust reforms remain critical for safeguarding American civil liberties without compromising national security. This comes just days after the controversial surveillance authority expired on June 12, with Congress failing to pass a reauthorization, though existing operations are permitted to continue under previously approved court orders. The lapse of Section 702 stemmed from deep divisions in Congress over concerns about its past misuse, particularly the 'backdoor search loophole' that allows intelligence agencies to query incidentally collected data on US persons without a warrant. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have pointed to a history of FBI abuses, including improper searches of information related to political activists, journalists, and even members of Congress. Previous attempts at reform, such as the 2024 Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act (RISAA), introduced some changes but critics argue they didn't go far enough, and the recent temporary appointment of Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence by President Trump further complicated reauthorization efforts. Despite the legislative expiration, intelligence operations under Section 702 are continuing thanks to annual certifications issued by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) in March 2026, which remain valid until March 2027. This effectively provides a temporary reprieve for surveillance activities but intensifies pressure on Congress to enact more comprehensive and lasting reforms. Expect the debate to continue heating up, with privacy advocates and a bipartisan coalition pushing for stricter warrant requirements and greater accountability before any long-term reauthorization is considered.