White House goes to court, not Congress, to renew warrantless spy powers

The Biden Administration has asked the FISA Court to issue new certifications extending Section 702 surveillance for a year, prompting backlash from Sen. Ron Wyden, the ACLU, and EFF, who argue it sidesteps ongoing congressional reform efforts. The White House calls the request routine following Congress’s temporary extension, while several bills with possible warrant requirements remain under debate. The FBI continues to warn that reforms could undermine national security and cyber defense, setting up a policy clash ahead of Section 702’s April deadline.