Legislative Calls to Action -- April 28, 2026
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Section 702
Under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), the U.S. government engages in mass, warrantless surveillance of Americans’ and foreigners’ phone calls, text messages, emails, and other electronic communications. Information collected under the law without a warrant can be used to prosecute and imprison people, even for crimes that have nothing to do with national security. Given our nation’s history of abusing its surveillance authorities, and the secrecy surrounding the program, we should be concerned that Section 702 is and will be used to disproportionately target disfavored groups, whether minority communities, political activists, or even journalists.
Section 702 is set to expire at the end of 2023. Warrantless Surveillance Under Section 702 of FISA | American Civil Liberties Union
House Republican leadership are planning to reauthorize FISA this week, no matter what. That signals that GOP leaders need a lot of flexibility. Will the Rules Committee attempt to waive the House’s onerous restrictions on suspension votes in order to pass the FISA measure? The House isn’t allowed to bring these measures up on Thursdays or Fridays. This would be wise, but it’s not clear if Johnson has the capital to make this move now.
Johnson will likely need House Democrats one way or another here. There’s not enough Democratic support for passing FISA under suspension, so Johnson may turn to pro-FISA Democrats to pass a rule. Republicans could need to make concessions to get those Democratic votes. (Punchbowl News)
Call your Representatives
Here is a script from Jess Craven Chop Wood/Carry water:
First, I know there’s going to be a vote any minute now for a clean extension on FISA Section 702. I expect the Congressmember to vote no. Speaker Johnson is offering fake reforms and hoping members will be fooled. Don’t fall for it. Take the time to get this right, please. Vote no on re-authorization until the data broker loophole has been closed and warrantless searches on American citizens are ended. (Jess Craven)
H.R. 7567 – Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026
A massive five-year reauthorization (through 2031) of USDA programs, covering crop insurance, rural development, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) updates. (NTD)
House GOP leaders hope this week to advance a long-stalled farm bill that would secure a slew of industry and rural investments. They see a political incentive to move quickly now to shore up farm country support in advance of the November elections, plus heed calls from President Donald Trump to “PASS THE FARM BILL, NOW!”
The farm bill traditionally comes to the floor with bipartisan support. But House Democrats this time are largely opposed to the package because it does not reverse the massive cuts to the country’s largest food aid program enacted by last year’s GOP megabill. That’s putting extra pressure on Republicans to see it over the finish line amid intraparty disagreements over provisions related to pesticides, livestock laws and ethanol sales. For more information: The MAHA revolt threatening the farm bill - POLITICO
H.R. 2616 – Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act
Legislation requiring public schools to obtain parental consent before changing a student's gender markers, pronouns, or preferred names on school forms. (NTD)
The bill conditions Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funding on public schools obtaining parental consent before altering a minor student's gender markers, pronouns, preferred name, or sex-based accommodations. It also explicitly prohibits the use of ESEA funds to teach or advance concepts related to 'gender ideology,' codifying definitions from Executive Order 14168. Driven by Republican concerns that schools are hiding student gender transitions and promoting progressive gender theories, the legislation passed the Committee on Education and the Workforce on a strict 18-12 party-line vote. For more information: H.R. 2616 — Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act | AI Policy Brief | The Capitol Wire
Budget Resolution
The Senate April 23 adopted a budget resolution by a 50-48 vote, paving the way for a narrow reconciliation bill focused on providing an estimated $70 billion in additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Custom and Border Protection (CBP). The introduction of a budget resolution is the first step in passing a bill through reconciliation, a special legislative procedure that allows bills to pass the Senate with a simple majority of 51 votes instead of the 60 votes usually required. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Rand Paul (R-KY) were the only two Republicans to vote against the resolution. Congressional Republicans are seeking to use the reconciliation process primarily to end the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The resolution instructs the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee, and the House Homeland Security and Judiciary committees to write legislation by May 15 that provides up to $70 billion in funding.
The vote followed a lengthy “vote-a-rama” session overnight that consisted of multiple proposed amendments from Democrats that failed to pass. Both chambers must pass a common budget resolution to move forward with the reconciliation process. Legislative action is expected in the House as early as next week. (American Hospital Association and NLIHC)
For more information
Senate Republicans Pass Budget Resolution Laying Groundwork for Reconciliation Bill to Fund ICE and CBP | National Low Income Housing Coalition