To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to require the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to appoint amicus curiae assist such court in the consideration of each application for an order or review under title I of that Act.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · December 4, 2023
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
The Protecting Americans from Unauthorized Surveillance Act would change how the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court operates by requiring it to appoint an amicus curiae, known as a "friend of the court," to participate in every application for surveillance orders under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. An amicus curiae is an independent party who presents arguments and information to help the court make informed decisions, adding another perspective to the surveillance approval process. This requirement would make the appointment of such advisors mandatory rather than optional, ensuring consistent civilian input into the court's deliberations on surveillance matters that can significantly affect Americans' privacy rights. The bill, introduced in December 2023 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee and Intelligence Committee, does not specify funding amounts or implementation timelines. The change would primarily affect how the secretive surveillance court reviews government requests to monitor individuals suspected of foreign intelligence threats.
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