Democrats Might Save Mike Johnson’s Push to Give Trump Domestic Spying Power
Image: The Intercept

Democrats Might Save Mike Johnson’s Push to Give Trump Domestic Spying Power

23 March, 2026.USA.1 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Johnson delayed the scheduled FISA extension vote due to intra-party opposition.
  • The measure would renew domestic spying authorities granted to President Donald Trump.
  • Democrats may step in to support the plan and reverse the delay.

Delay and potential rescue

Thanks to opposition from inside his own party, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was forced to delay a vote on President Donald Trump’s request to extend a major domestic spying law — but Democrats could ride to the rescue.

Thanks to opposition from inside his own party, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La

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Delay rationale and reform push

Johnson decided to delay a vote on the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act that had been scheduled for this week, Politico reported Friday.

The move gives critics of the law more time to push for reforms, including a requirement that federal agents get a warrant before searching for information on Americans.

Image from The Intercept
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Democrat positions and pressure

If the bill ultimately advances to the House floor, however, some top Democrats — including the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut — are already lobbying colleagues to vote for Trump’s request.

Thanks to opposition from inside his own party, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La

The InterceptThe Intercept

Others, including members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, are pushing back.

FISA 702 expiry and stakes

The internal debate among both Democrats and Republicans is a rerun of a clash two years ago over FISA — only this time, Trump’s reelection and the war on Iran have raised the stakes.

The spying law expires next month.

Image from The Intercept
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