Government Surveillance Reform Act of 2026

Key Points

• Federal agencies would need a warrant before searching through data collected under foreign intelligence programs for information about Americans. This closes the so-called backdoor search loophole, where the government could query emails and phone records of U.S. persons without a judge's approval.
• The bill bans federal law enforcement from buying personal data like location information and biometric data from data brokers. Currently, agencies can sometimes sidestep the Fourth Amendment by purchasing data they would otherwise need a warrant to obtain.
• New warrant requirements are established for tracking someone's location in real time, accessing web browsing history, and reviewing internet search terms. The bill also protects data stored in vehicles, requiring a warrant before federal officers can access onboard and telematics data.
• Intelligence agency employees who violate these privacy rules face escalating consequences, from suspension of access to data systems for a first offense to termination of security clearance and potential firing for repeat offenders. There is a presumption in favor of firing for third-time negligent violators or second-time willful violators.
• While adding these privacy protections, the bill extends Section 702 foreign surveillance authority for four more years until April 20, 2030. This allows the government to continue monitoring foreign threats while adding safeguards for Americans whose data gets swept up in that collection.
• The bill expands the role of independent amici curiae (outside legal advisors) in the secretive FISA Court and requires more public disclosure of significant court decisions, increasing transparency and outside checks on surveillance activities.