PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 112-238.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 30, 2012
(This measure has not been amended since it was reported to the House on August 2, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
FISA Amendments Act Reauthorization Act of 2012 - Amends the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend until December 31, 2017: (1) the date for repeal of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (procedures concerning the electronic surveillance of certain persons outside the United States for foreign intelligence information purposes); and (2) any order, authorization, or directive issued or made under that title.
People & committees
Rep. Smith, Lamar [R-TX-21] · R–TX
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 112-238.
Became Public Law No: 112-238.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate, under the order of 12/21/12, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, without amendment by Yea-Nay. 73 - 23. Record Vote Number: 236.
Senate roll call 236 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate, under the order of 12/21/12, having achieved 60 votes in the affirmative, without amendment by Yea-Nay. 73 - 23. Record Vote Number: 236.
Senate roll call 236 · Individual votesConsidered by Senate. (consideration: CR S8455-8462)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8384-8410, S8411-8418, S8419-8425, S8427-8428)
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 510.
Received in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 301 - 118 (Roll no. 569). (text: CR H5890)
House roll call 569 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 301 - 118 (Roll no. 569).(text: CR H5890)
House roll call 569 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5900-5901)
POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - The Chair put the question on adoption of H.R. 5949, and announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Ruppersberger demanded the yeas and nays, and the Chair postponed further proceedings on question of adoption until later in the legislative day.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H5900)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 5949.
Resolution provides for consideration of both H.R. 5544 and H.R. 5949. Both measures are debatable for one hour each. For H.R. 5544, specified amendments are in order. For H.R. 5949, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary now printed in the bill, shall be considered as adopted. For each bill, one motion to recommit is in order, with or without instructions.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 773. (consideration: CR H5890-5901)
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 463.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Intelligence. H. Rept. 112-645, Part II.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Intelligence. H. Rept. 112-645, Part II.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 112-645, Part I.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 112-645, Part I.
Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 23 - 11.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jul 2, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.5949 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.5949 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.5949 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.5949 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.