This bill increases congressional oversight of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISA Court) and the FISA Court of Review by ensuring members of Congress and their designated staff can attend and observe court proceedings without restrictions, with requirements that courts provide full courtroom access or video/audio alternatives if space is limited. The bill also strengthens enforcement by clarifying that information obtained under Section 702 surveillance is subject to the same penalties for illegal disclosure as other electronic surveillance, expands civil liability to individuals who aid or abet violations, and establishes a five-year statute of limitations for civil actions. Additionally, it reforms the amicus curiae (friend of the court) designation process by requiring the Senate majority leader and House Speaker to each submit lists of at least six candidates within 90 days, from which the presiding judges will select at least eight individuals to represent broader perspectives in court proceedings. The bill also extends surveillance authorities under the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 for eight years (up from two years) and clarifies protections for federal employees who report intelligence abuses to Congress.
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