SE Valley Times

Congressman Andy Biggs has reintroduced the Fourth Amendment Restoration Act, aiming to end government surveillance of American citizens. The legislation seeks to fully repeal the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), prohibit warrantless surveillance, and hold accountable any federal official who violates these provisions.

As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, Congressman Biggs has been at the forefront of efforts to reform Section 702 of FISA. In the 118th Congress, he sponsored a bipartisan Judiciary Committee product called the Protect Liberty and End Warrantless Surveillance Act. This act passed out of committee with a 35-2 vote but faced challenges on the House floor where an amendment to end warrantless surveillance resulted in a tie vote of 212-212. This outcome followed what Congressman Biggs described as "an intense pressure campaign by the Biden Administration and Deep State actors." Section 702 is set for expiration in April 2026, prompting continued efforts from Congressman Biggs to safeguard Americans' privacy.

"We cannot continue to provide our government with clandestine spying powers that violate the Fourth Amendment rights of American citizens," stated Congressman Biggs.

He further noted, "We’ve uncovered countless FISA abuses in recent years. In 2021 alone, the FBI misused FISA 278,000 times to spy on American citizens – including Members of Congress, judges, and political donors. Our civil liberties are at stake."

The congressman emphasized broad bipartisan support for protecting both security and liberty simultaneously: "There is broad bipartisan support for Ben Franklin's notion that you can protect Americans' security and liberty at the same time."

Addressing past struggles with what he termed a corrupt presidential administration that expanded governmental spying opportunities, Congressman Biggs expressed optimism about working with future administrations: "As President Trump’s inauguration draws closer, we must be ready to leap into action to restore the constitutional rights of Americans under an Administration that will work with us, not against us."

Looking ahead to legislative opportunities in future sessions, he added: "In the 119th Congress, my colleagues and I will have another opportunity to ensure that Americans do not fall victim to continued warrantless surveillance by their own government. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Trump Administration to ensure that these abuses are ended."

The full text of this legislation is available for public reading.