Trump’s spy chiefs put Republican leaders on the clock over ‘huge priority’ as power shift looms over Congress

The Trump administration’s intelligence leaders have urged congressional leaders to begin renewing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, including its controversial Section 702, before Republicans lose their House majority in January. They warn that delays could interrupt intelligence gathering they say is vital to national security.

A letter signed by Attorney General Todd Blanche, Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton and CIA Director John Ratcliffe sets 9 December 2026 as the deadline to start the renewal process. The officials say Section 702 collection is due to expire on 16 March if the law is not reauthorised, and warn it cannot simply be switched back on after a lapse. The provision allows agencies to collect communications involving Americans who are communicating with foreign targets, a practice criticised by privacy advocates as warrantless surveillance.