PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Aug 5, 2007
(This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on August 3, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)
Protect America Act of 2007 - Amends the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) to state that nothing under its definition of "electronic surveillance" shall be construed to encompass surveillance directed at a person reasonably believed to be located outside the United States.
Allows the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and the Attorney General (AG), for periods up to one year, to authorize the acquisition of foreign intelligence information concerning persons outside the United States if the DNI and AG determine that: (1) there are reasonable procedures in place for determining that such acquisition concerns persons outside the United States, and such procedures will be subject to review by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (Court); (2) the acquisition does not constitute electronic surveillance; (3) the acquisition involves obtaining foreign intelligence information from or with the assistance of a communication service provider or other person who has access to communications; (4) a significant purpose of the acquisition is to obtain foreign intelligence information; and (5) the minimization procedures (procedures to ensure the smallest level of privacy intrusion while obtaining such information) to be used meet the definition of minimization procedures under FISA. Requires such determination to be certified and submitted to the Court.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Requires the AG to report to: (1) the Court the procedures by which the government determines that such acquisitions do not constitute electronic surveillance; and (2) the congressional intelligence and judiciary committees semiannually concerning acquisitions made during the previous six-month period.
Terminates this Act 180 days after its enactment. Makes authorizations for the acquisition of information made by this Act, and directives issued pursuant to such authorizations, effective until their expiration.
People & committees
Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] · R–KY
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on the Judiciary. Hearings held.
Became Public Law No: 110-55.
Became Public Law No: 110-55.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Cleared for White House.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 227 - 183 (Roll no. 836). (text: CR H9953-9954)
House roll call 836 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 227 - 183 (Roll no. 836).(text: CR H9953-9954)
House roll call 836 · Individual votesThe previous question was ordered pursuant to a previous order of the House. (consideration: CR H9965)
DEBATE - Pursuant to a previous special order, the House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 1927.
Considered pursuant to a previous order.
Consideration initiated pursuant to a previous order. (consideration: CR H9952-9966)
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 60 - 28. Record Vote Number: 309. (text: CR S10871-10872)
Senate roll call 309 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Yea-Nay Vote. 60 - 28. Record Vote Number: 309.(text: CR S10871-10872)
Senate roll call 309 · Individual votesMeasure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S10861-10872)
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 324.
Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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