FBI Director Chris Wray faced scrutiny during a House Judiciary Committee hearing regarding the agency's alleged suppression of conservative viewpoints, according to a recent court decision. This questioning comes as the committee prepares to discuss the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).

The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance will continue its hearing, "Fixing FISA, Part II," to examine warrantless surveillance of Americans, alleged FBI abuses of FISA, and the lack of significant reforms. Several House Republicans, including Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), are advocating against FISA's renewal, arguing it enables government spying on U.S. citizens.

Rep. Gaetz, who plans to introduce a resolution to end FISA, expressed concerns about the increasing political nature of the national security apparatus and its impact on groups like Black Lives Matter and individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol events. He highlighted how FISA's Section 702, initially intended for surveillance of non-U.S. citizens abroad, can be used to investigate Americans flagged during these investigations.

A May report revealed the FBI's improper use of warrantless search procedures on Americans over 278,000 times in 2021, including individuals involved in the January 6th protests and George Floyd demonstrations. While the FBI claims to have addressed this issue, Gaetz and his supporters believe terminating FISA is the only solution.

Gaetz's resolution against renewing FISA is co-sponsored by Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Eli Crane (R-Ariz.), Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), and Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.). FISA, enacted in 1978 after the Watergate scandal, has seen its scope broadened by the Patriot Act following the 9/11 attacks and has been periodically renewed by Congress.

Gaetz criticized past FISA reauthorizations for containing weak reforms and cited over a million illegal FISA searches, inappropriate use of the system by FBI officials, and inadequate court oversight as reasons for its termination. He emphasized the bipartisan nature of concerns about government overreach and hoped to collaborate with progressive representatives who share similar views on civil liberties.

FISA was a central topic in the House hearing with FBI Director Wray, who has faced criticism from Republicans regarding the Justice Department's alleged politicization. The administration maintains the department's impartiality. The hearing is scheduled to resume.