After months of debate, the coming week is pivotal for the future of a major U.S. surveillance program. Section 702 of **FISA**, which permits the federal government to collect electronic communications of non-U.S. persons located abroad without a warrant, faces a sunset clause on April 20th unless Congress acts. [Editor’s note: Lawmakers pushed the vote on renewing FISA to the week of April 14 since this interview was published]. **LaHood's Stance on Section 702** Representative **Darin LaHood** (R-IL), chair of the House Intelligence Committee’s **NSA** subcommittee and a member of its **FISA** working group, voiced his support for President **Donald Trump's** proposal for an 18-month "clean" reauthorization of the authority. He emphasized the importance of the program during the House Intelligence Committee’s annual worldwide threats hearing. **Key Justifications for Renewal** In an interview with Recorded Future News, **LaHood** highlighted several reasons for supporting the renewal without amendments: * **National Security Imperative:** He described Section 702 as the "singular most important collection item" in the U.S. intelligence portfolio, indispensable to national security. * **Operational Successes:** He cited instances where Section 702 was instrumental in critical operations, including hostage rescues, operations in Venezuela, troop protection in Iran, and support for Ukraine. * **Reforms Implementation:** He pointed to the 56 reforms implemented through the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act two years prior, asserting their effectiveness in holding the **FBI** accountable. **Concerns Over FBI Queries** **FBI** searches of the Section 702 database have been a contentious issue, particularly after reports surfaced that **LaHood** himself was subject to such a search. Recent data indicates a 35 percent increase in **FBI** queries from the previous year. **LaHood** stated that he received satisfactory explanations for the increase, attributing some instances to mistakes like misspellings and others to expanded surveillance related to fentanyl and drug cartels. He also noted that reforms have reduced the number of **FBI** personnel with query access from approximately 7,500 to 3,500, and that criminal penalties are now in place for unlawful queries of U.S. citizens. **The Path Forward** Looking ahead to the vote, **LaHood** expressed optimism, emphasizing the support of House Judiciary Committee Chair **Jim Jordan** and President **Trump**. He stressed the need for political will to overcome potential opposition and secure the reauthorization. He also stated that a warrant requirement is not needed.