Conservative lawmakers who initially opposed the legislation reauthorizing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act are now showing more openness to the proposed modifications. The new version of the bill would contain a two-year reauthorization instead of five years, allowing for potential changes if former President Donald Trump were to win the presidential election. This adjustment has garnered support from Republican representatives such as Matt Gaetz, who sees it as an opportunity for Trump to address issues he faced under the previous authorization period.
Hardliners within the GOP are viewing the two-year reauthorization as a significant win, with an additional agreement for a separate floor vote on data privacy legislation proposed by Republican Rep. Warren Davidson. This willingness to compromise and accommodate their requests has been met with appreciation from lawmakers such as Gaetz, who expressed gratitude for the receptiveness to their concerns. Cory Mills, another Republican representative, is considering supporting the rule following the concessions made by party leadership, particularly in relation to the Davidson amendment.
The ultimate decision on supporting the legislation will depend on whether the Davidson amendment is adopted, according to Mills. Chip Roy, who previously voted against the rule, acknowledged the progress being made in the discussions. While he remains cautious, Roy indicated optimism for the potential outcome. Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida also confirmed her support for the rule vote, signaling confidence in the negotiations. South Carolina GOP Rep. Ralph Norman expressed satisfaction with the changes made and hinted at potential approval based on the current circumstances.
GOP leadership has been in communication with Trump regarding adjustments to the bill. Majority Leader Steve Scalise mentioned discussions with Trump over the past 24 hours, with the president previously calling on members to block the legislation. Scalise believes that the new two-year sunset provision could facilitate the passage of the bill, mentioning that it has broad appeal among lawmakers. House Speaker Mike Johnson is scheduled to meet with Trump in Florida, indicating ongoing dialogue between party leaders and the former president to address concerns and secure support for the legislation.
Overall, the willingness of conservative holdouts to consider the proposed modifications to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act reauthorization bill reflects a potential shift towards supporting the legislation. The inclusion of a two-year reauthorization period and the promise of a separate vote on data privacy legislation have elicited positive responses from key Republican lawmakers. While some representatives remain cautious and are awaiting further developments, the progress made in negotiations and discussions with Trump signal a potential path towards securing passage of the bill.
