Key facts
- Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has expired.
- The expiration occurred at midnight.
- The House of Representatives failed to renew the surveillance law.
- Lawmakers protested the appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
- Government surveillance powers will continue under existing certifications.
- These certifications remain in effect until March 2027.
- Critics argue the law allows warrantless access to Americans' communications.
Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a U.S. government law permitting warrantless surveillance, has expired for the first time. The expiration occurred at midnight due to a failure in the House of Representatives to renew the legislation. Lawmakers reportedly protested the controversial appointment of Bill Pulte to serve as the acting director of national intelligence. Despite the lapse of Title VII, government surveillance capabilities are expected to continue. This continuation will be facilitated by existing certifications that remain in effect until March 2027. Critics of the law argue that these provisions allow for warrantless access to the communications of Americans. The expiration marks a significant moment for U.S. surveillance policy, highlighting divisions among lawmakers regarding both the surveillance powers themselves and the leadership overseeing intelligence agencies.