HR-4478 : Still Just a Bill


FISA Amendments Reauthorization Act of 2017

This bill amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to allow the Department of Justice (DOJ) to target a U.S. person outside of the United States to acquire foreign intelligence when DOJ has already authorized emergency use of electronic surveillance or a physical search related to such person.

DOJ and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence must submit a written notice to Congress before intentionally collecting abouts communications (communications that contain a reference to but are not directed to or from a facility) relating to surveillance of a non-U.S. person outside the United States.

DOJ shall submit to Congress and the Administrative Office of the United States an annual report with: (1) the total number of applications made and extensions of orders approving electronic surveillance; (2) the total number of such orders and extensions granted, modified, or denied; and (3) the total number of persons who were subject to electronic surveillance conducted under an order or emergency authorization.

Each element of the intelligence community must develop and maintain procedures to respond to requests for nonpublic information about U.S. persons.

This bill extends title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through December 31, 2021.

The Government Accountability Office must study the U.S. classified information system and the methods by which the intelligence community protects classified information.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2017-12-19CommitteeReported (Amended) by the Committee on Intelligence. H. Rept. 115-475, Part I.House floor actions
2017-12-05CommitteeReferred to the Subcommittee on Oversight and Management Efficiency.House committee actions
2017-11-29IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Intelligence (Permanent Select), Oversight and Government Reform, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2017-11-29IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Intelligence (Permanent Select), Oversight and Government Reform, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2017-11-29IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Intelligence (Permanent Select), Oversight and Government Reform, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2017-11-29IntroReferralReferred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Intelligence (Permanent Select), Oversight and Government Reform, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.House floor actions
2017-11-29IntroReferralIntroduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

Policy Area :

Armed Forces and National Security
Related Subjects
  • Computer security and identity theft
  • Congressional oversight
  • Evidence and witnesses
  • Federal officials
  • Government information and archives
  • Government studies and investigations
  • Intelligence activities, surveillance, classified information
  • Right of privacy
  • Subversive activities
Related Geographic Entities
Related Organizations
  • Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board

Related Bills

See Related Bills