Ron Wyden (D-OR)
A bill to implement reforms relating to foreign intelligence surveillance authorities, to prohibit reverse targeting of United States persons and persons located in the United States, and for other purposes.
A Democratic bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill implements reforms to foreign intelligence surveillance authorities. It prohibits "reverse targeting" of U.S. persons or people located in the U.S. unless there is a specific emergency or consent is provided. The bill requires warrants for the government to intentionally target "covered persons" for certain types of information, including communications and web history. It also updates the definitions regarding when people are known or believed to be U.S. persons during acquisition. Finally, it extends the repeal date of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to September 18, 2026.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +8
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?
Prohibits reverse targeting and mandates warrants for the acquisition of private communications of U.S. persons.
- Scored +7
Does this give people more control over their personal data?
Increases privacy by requiring warrants for communications content and browsing history of U.S. persons.
- Scored +6
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
Prevents the use of evidence in court if emergency surveillance was not subsequently approved by a court order.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country?
While it adds warrants, it extends the existence of Section 702 surveillance authority.
- Scored -2
Does this give the federal government more power?
Extends federal intelligence surveillance authorities under Section 702.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection against reverse targeting: The bill prohibits intentionally targeting someone outside the U.S. if a significant purpose is to get information on a "covered person" (U.S. persons or those in the U.S.), except in emergencies or with consent. (Section 1(b))
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Warrant requirements for surveillance: Federal officers cannot intentionally target a "covered person" to get communication content, location, or browsing history without a court warrant or specific emergency authorization. (Section 3(a))
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Restrictions on pen registers: The bill requires a court order or emergency authorization before using pen registers or trap and trace devices to collect intelligence on "covered persons." (Section 3(b))
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Limits on unauthorized evidence: If emergency surveillance is conducted but a subsequent court order is denied, the obtained information generally cannot be used in court or disseminated. (Section 3(c)(1))
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Emergency surveillance exceptions: The government can still target "covered persons" without a prior warrant if they believe an emergency exists involving imminent death or serious bodily harm. (Section 1(b) and Section 3(a)(1))
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Extension of surveillance authority: By extending the repeal date of Section 702 to September 18, 2026, the existing foreign intelligence surveillance authorities remain in effect longer. (Section 4(a))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect people from being watched or searched? — Prohibits reverse targeting and mandates warrants for the acquisition of private communications of U.S. persons. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Prevents the use of evidence in court if emergency surveillance was not subsequently approved by a court order. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — Requires reporting to congressional committees and the FISA court for certain emergency targetings. Does this give the federal government more power? — Extends federal intelligence surveillance authorities under Section 702.
- Education And Technology
- Does this give people more control over their personal data? — Increases privacy by requiring warrants for communications content and browsing history of U.S. persons.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this give the government more power to monitor people inside the country? — While it adds warrants, it extends the existence of Section 702 surveillance authority.
- 6/10/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Select Committee on Intelligence.
- Introduced in Senate
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.