In a bold move against the status quo, House GOP members are intensifying their efforts to introduce significant reforms to the proposed 18-month extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). This action comes in direct opposition to Speaker Mike Johnson's stance on not allowing amendments to the legislation.

Representative Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) is at the forefront of this push, seeking to insert a crucial amendment that aims to bar data brokers from selling sensitive personal information to the federal government. Davidson’s proposition, as detailed in a document shared exclusively with POLITICO, emphasizes the necessity of safeguarding the Fourth Amendment rights, which protect citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Davidson expressed his concerns, stating, “Passing a clean Section 702 reauthorization without any reforms to protect the Fourth Amendment right to privacy would be a major disservice to the American people." He highlighted the evolution of digital privacy, pointing out that in today's digital era, personal devices, which hold vast amounts of private data, should receive the same constitutional protections as one's home.

The amendment proposed by Davidson also aims to close a significant loophole that currently permits intelligence agencies to access data collected by third-party brokers through mobile apps and web browsing activities without a warrant. “My amendment closes that loophole, and I am proud that it carries bipartisan support from members who want to protect their constituents' right to privacy,” Davidson added, signaling a strong push for a vote in the full House.

The urgency of the situation is palpable as the House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday afternoon to set the stage for the floor consideration of the Section 702 extension. With the April 20 expiration deadline rapidly approaching, GOP leaders are under pressure to pass the bill by Wednesday. However, several hard-liners within the party are threatening to derail a procedural rule necessary for considering the underlying measure unless amendments are allowed.

The resistance from GOP leaders stems from a request by the White House for a clean extension, devoid of any amendments. This has set the stage for a significant showdown in Congress, as members grapple with the balance between national security needs and the imperative to protect individual privacy rights in the digital age.