Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday he is not willing to add any amendments to a straight extension of a key spy powers law, as he tries to overcome a GOP hard-liner rebellion fueled by privacy concerns.
“It’s going to be a clean extension,” Johnson told reporters. “If we put amendments on it, it jeopardizes its passage. And it’s far too important.”
Johnson is preparing to push an 18-month extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act through the House Rules Committee this afternoon. He doesn’t yet have the votes to then advance the measure on the floor later this week, according to three people granted anonymity to discuss the talks.
Republicans, including members of leadership, have discussed a backup plan that would be a shorter extension. But they’re likely only willing to take that step if the current proposal fails on the floor.
Some House GOP holdouts privately say White House officials and GOP leaders are trying to strong-arm them into accepting a clean FISA extension, despite their concerns about American citizens being swept up in government surveillance.
