Bills · S 3696
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3696Armed Forces and National Security
FISA Accountability and Extension Act of 2026
INTRO JAN 27· LAST ACTION JAN 27
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses ongoing concerns about transparency and oversight of secret intelligence gathering activities, particularly those conducted under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). If passed, it would fundamentally change how Congress can monitor the FISA Courts, potentially leading to greater accountability in how the government uses its surveillance powers. For instance, the expanded access for congressional members means more direct insight into how the courts approve surveillance warrants, which has been a point of contention and calls for reform in recent years.
The changes to penalties and the civil liability for Section 702 information are important because Section 702 is a significant tool for foreign intelligence collection, but it has been criticized for potentially sweeping in communications of Americans. By clarifying and strengthening penalties for misuse, the bill aims to provide greater protections against abuses. If this bill doesn't become law, the existing Attorney General-established procedures for congressional access would remain, and the specific protections and penalty clarifications for Section 702 data and third-party assistance would not be enacted, maintaining the status quo regarding oversight and accountability mechanisms.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Allows Members of Congress and designated staff direct access to Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court proceedings, voiding previous Attorney General-established rules.
This provision increases congressional oversight and transparency into the traditionally secret court system overseeing foreign intelligence surveillance.
PROVISION 02
Ensures congressional observers face no more restrictions than the Department of Justice, can observe proceedings in their entirety, and receive full audio/visual access if physical space is limited.
This prevents the courts or executive branch from limiting congressional insight, ensuring meaningful oversight.
PROVISION 03
Clarifies that information acquired under Section 702 (foreign intelligence from non-U.S. persons abroad) is subject to the same criminal and civil penalties as other FISA electronic surveillance.
This strengthens accountability for misuse of a significant intelligence collection tool and extends protections to incidentally collected U.S. person data.
PROVISION 04
Establishes a new process for the Senate Majority Leader and Speaker of the House to propose lists of individuals to serve as amicus curiae (friends of the court) in the FISA courts.
This aims to diversify the legal perspectives available to the courts and introduce more independent oversight into their deliberations.
PROVISION 05
Protects communication service providers and others from civil lawsuits if they provide assistance in accordance with a court order or emergency request under FISA.
This provides legal certainty and protection for private entities compelled to assist government surveillance efforts, ensuring their cooperation.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Iowa
YRS IN OFFICE
51
BILLS LED
92
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 27
Introduced in Senate
JAN 27
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 3696
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 27, 2026
Last actionJan 27, 2026
READER REACTIONS
OVERALL SENTIMENT
No reactions yet. Be the first to weigh in.
Discussion
Loading comments...
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · JUDICIARY COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 27, 2026
Senate BillS 3696Armed Forces and National Security
FISA Accountability and Extension Act of 2026
INTRODUCED JAN 27, 2026· LAST ACTION JAN 27, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
