In the face of resistance from a group of 19 GOP lawmakers, House leadership is exploring an alternative approach to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The newly proposed plan involves shortening the reauthorization period from five years to two years and presenting the controversial package as a stand-alone bill before the Rules Committee.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the legislation would be separated from three other GOP bills that are opposed by Democrats, allowing for a more focused consideration of the FISA reauthorization. While the specific path forward is still being discussed, the introduction of a two-year reauthorization timeframe could potentially garner support from those skeptical of FISA.

The 19 Republican lawmakers, who voted against advancing the debate on FISA, have been advocating for the inclusion of a warrant requirement in the base text of the bill. They have been urging for a FISA bill previously drafted by the Judiciary Committee to serve as the main legislative vehicle.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), a member of the Judiciary Committee, expressed that the shorter reauthorization period would enable lawmakers to implement necessary reforms to the controversial policy sooner rather than later. She emphasized the importance of monitoring and allowing for future reforms within a two-year timeframe.

However, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stated that Democrats would not assist Republicans in passing the rule, even with FISA now set to be considered through a stand-alone rule. The disagreement illustrates the ongoing tensions surrounding the reauthorization process.

FISA Section 702 grants the government the authority to conduct surveillance on foreigners located abroad, but it also results in the collection of information involving Americans who communicate with these targets. Lawmakers from both parties have been advocating for a warrant requirement before reviewing any information involving American citizens during the surveillance process.

The failure of the rule vote by the 19 Republican lawmakers disrupted a plan that would have included a full House vote on the warrant requirement. Interestingly, the warrant requirement amendment is not supported by all proponents, including House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who believes that the matter should be thoroughly examined by the full House.

Criticism has also been directed at House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), with certain members accusing him of influencing the outcome by expressing his opposition to the warrant requirement amendment.

Former President Trump's recent involvement in the FISA debate has further intensified the push to revise the bill. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged lawmakers to "KILL FISA," adding to the already charged atmosphere surrounding the reauthorization process.

The situation continues to unfold, and lawmakers are engaged in ongoing discussions to address the challenges surrounding the reauthorization of FISA Section 702. The upcoming steps and potential amendments will shape the future of this surveillance authority.