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HR 38

CONGRESS: Memorializes Congress to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and to restore the rights of privacy and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chuck Owen

Louisiana urges Congress to reform FISA and its surveillance court to strengthen Fourth Amendment privacy protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 38

Legislative bill overview

HR 38 is a memorial resolution from Louisiana that formally urges the U.S. Congress to reform the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC). The memorial calls for reforms designed to strengthen privacy protections and Fourth Amendment safeguards against warrantless or overly broad surveillance activities.

Why is this important

FISA and FISC have been central to post-9/11 national security operations but have faced sustained criticism from privacy advocates, civil libertarians, and some lawmakers across the political spectrum. How these institutions operate directly affects millions of Americans' privacy rights and the balance between security and civil liberties—a debate that has intensified following revelations about surveillance scope and scale.

Potential points of contention

  • Vagueness of "reform": The memorial doesn't specify what reforms are needed, making it unclear whether it supports modest transparency measures, substantial legal restrictions, or fundamental restructuring of surveillance authority
  • Security vs. privacy framing: National security officials argue current FISA processes are essential counterterrorism tools, while critics contend they enable mass surveillance incompatible with constitutional protections
  • Federal-state dynamics: A state legislature memorializing Congress on federal intelligence operations raises questions about appropriate scope of state advocacy on national security matters

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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