FISA Facts

FISA Facts

H.R. 5949, the FISA Amendments Act Reauthorization Act of 2012, would extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Amendments Act of 2008 for five years. It would allow the government to continue to collect highly valuable counterterrorism information and foreign intelligence to protect our nation.

The FISA Amendments Act allows the federal government to target foreigners located outside the United States for intelligence collection with prior court approval.It does not apply to Americans or any individuals on U.S. soil.

Before the federal government can collect intelligence under the FISA Amendments Act, a federal judge must approve the surveillance, including the targeting and minimization procedures required by law.

It prohibits the targeting of American citizens or U.S. permanent residents for intelligence collection without an individualized court order.

Government surveillance under the FISA Amendments Act is subject to extensive oversight by the executive branch and Congress.