119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 7816
H.R. 7816, the Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act of 2026, comprehensively restricts federal government surveillance of Americans by requiring court orders for most searches of intelligence databases and access to commercial data broker information. The bill strengthens oversight by mandating transparency requirements for surveillance directives, expanding protections for court-appointed advocates in Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court proceedings, and banning federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies from purchasing Americans' personal data from third parties. It also extends warrant requirements to internet service providers, libraries, and educational institutions, and establishes FISA as the exclusive legal authority for collecting communications records and location data from U.S. persons. Additionally, the bill delays certain surveillance powers from expiring in 2026 to April 20, 2028, while requiring the government to declassify surveillance details and provide quarterly reports to Congress on directives issued to service providers. Overall, the legislation balances national security needs with enhanced privacy protections for American citizens through stricter judicial oversight and transparency measures.