Des Moines Sun

Senator Chuck Grassley posted a series of statements on his social media account regarding congressional oversight of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Courts, expiring FISA authorities, and the ongoing government shutdown.

On November 6, 2025, Grassley wrote that he and Senator Durbin had contacted the Department of Justice about congressional access to surveillance courts. He stated: "Judiciary Cmte Ranking Member Durbin & I wrote 2 DOJ urging them to amend Biden-era policies that restrict congressional oversight of Foreign Intel Surveillance Courts DOJ must revise their policies to comply w the Reforming Intelligence & Securing America Act of 2024 asap".

Later that day, Grassley highlighted concerns over expiring surveillance authorities: "FISA section 702 authorities r set to expire next April Congress needs access 2 Foreign Intel Surveillance Courts ahead of the upcoming reauthorization debate" (November 6, 2025).

On November 7, 2025, Grassley commented on the ongoing government shutdown with a brief statement: "2day is day 38 of the Schumer Shutdown".

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702 allows U.S. intelligence agencies to collect communications from non-U.S. citizens located abroad without a warrant for foreign intelligence purposes. The provision has faced recurring debates in Congress regarding privacy protections and oversight as its expiration approaches each time it is up for renewal.

Grassley's reference to "Biden-era policies" relates to Justice Department procedures implemented during President Joe Biden's administration that have been criticized by some lawmakers as limiting legislative branch oversight over national security matters. The Reforming Intelligence & Securing America Act of 2024 was enacted to increase transparency and strengthen congressional checks on intelligence operations involving surveillance courts.

At the same time, Grassley's mention of a "Schumer Shutdown" refers to an ongoing partial government shutdown attributed by some Republican lawmakers to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass funding legislation for federal agencies, impacting public services and federal employees.