Corporate Tax Loopholes and the FISA Fight

This episode of Congress in Context examines a day of intense legislative friction and procedural chaos as the 119th Congress navigates a persistent shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and the looming expiration of key intelligence authorities. We break down the contentious debate over the Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act, highlighting the struggle to balance vital overseas intelligence gathering against the controversial absence of a judicial warrant requirement for searching Americans' private communications. The episode also probes the "reconciliation 2.0" budget battle, where a Republican push to bypass the DHS funding stalemate with $70 billion for ICE and CBP meets fierce Democratic opposition over alleged "campaigns of terror" and a lack of oversight. Finally, we detail a rare midnight marathon session as the House advances a farm bill that cements record cuts to food assistance, while in the Senate, a procedural standoff unfolds between members over smart-appliance regulations and the construction of a lavish White House ballroom.

Congressional Record Analysis of the following dates:

April 29, 2026

https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/browse-by-date

Bills

• H.R. 7567: Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 – A comprehensive bill providing for the reform and continuation of agricultural and nutrition programs through fiscal year 2031.
• S. 1318: Foreign Intelligence Accountability Act – Reauthorizes FISA Section 702 for three years and implements several oversight reforms, such as requiring FBI attorney preapproval for searches involving U.S. persons.
• S. Con. Res. 33: Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2026 – Sets the federal budget through 2035 and provides reconciliation instructions to fully fund ICE and CBP.
• H.R. 2616: Stopping Indoctrination and Protecting Kids Act – Prohibits federally funded schools from changing a student’s name, pronouns, or gender markers without parental consent.
• H.R. 1346: Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 – Permits the year-round sale of gasoline blended with 10% to 15% ethanol (E15).
• S. 874: Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act of 2025 – Closes legal loopholes to ensure federal contractors are protected from retaliation when disclosing fraud or abuse.
• S. 1199: SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act – Extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud related to pandemic relief programs like the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.
• S. 2232: Expanding the Surety Bond Program Act of 2025 – Increases the limit for SBA-backed surety bonds to $18 million to assist small contracting businesses.
• S. 2975: PIPELINE Safety Act of 2025 – Updates regulations to enhance the safety of pipeline transportation.
• H.R. 1919: Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act – Prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing a central bank digital currency to individuals.