GOP rebels oppose renewing warrantless FISA surveillance, demand stricter safeguards against government overreach and illegal spying. In a significant blow to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s agenda, 19 Republicans joined forces with Democrats to defeat a motion aimed at renewing warrantless surveillance under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). “Kill FISA,” exclaimed former President Donald Trump, reflecting the deep-seated concerns over past abuses of power.

The rejection underscores a growing divide within the Republican Party over surveillance practices, with dissenters insisting on stricter safeguards to prevent illegal spying on American citizens.

Wednesday’s defeat marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over FISA reauthorization. Johnson, facing resistance from within his own party, called for a House Republican Conference meeting to “regroup” and salvage his proposal before the April 19 deadline.

Republican dissenters, including representatives such as Matt Gaetz and Lauren Boebert, argue that the proposed bill falls short in addressing widespread concerns about government overreach and unauthorized surveillance. They contend that reforms must be implemented to ensure that intelligence agencies obtain warrants before conducting surveillance activities.

The absence of a provision requiring warrants for FISA surveillance has become a focal point of contention. While Johnson appeared open to considering an amendment to address this issue, some Republicans demand that such safeguards be incorporated directly into the bill before it advances further.

Trump’s vocal opposition to the rule has undoubtedly influenced the outcome of Wednesday’s vote, amplifying calls to overhaul FISA and prevent future abuses. The former president’s assertion that FISA was “illegally used against me, and many others” resonates deeply with those who fear government intrusion and erosion of privacy rights.

As lawmakers grapple with the implications of Wednesday’s defeat, the fate of FISA reauthorization hangs in the balance. With mounting pressure to enact meaningful reforms, Johnson and his allies must navigate a complex political landscape to secure support for their proposal.

The showdown over FISA renewal highlights the broader ideological rifts within the Republican Party and underscores the challenges of balancing national security interests with civil liberties protections. As the debate rages on, the future of warrantless surveillance in America remains uncertain.