Contact Congress about S. 4280: SAFE Act

The bill would keep Section 702 surveillance going until April 20, 2028. It would add new rules before agencies could search, use, or buy data about people in the United States.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

SAFE Act is a Senate bill waiting for floor action. The latest recorded action: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 371.

Latest action on S. 4280: Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 371.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people in the United States whose messages or personal data could appear in government searches. It also affects FBI agents, intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies, data brokers, online service providers, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and members of Congress who oversee surveillance programs.

Why this matters: The bill matters because it changes how the government can use a powerful spy tool when information about people in the United States gets caught up in it. It would keep that tool available for national security work. At the same time, it would add more checks before agencies search, use, buy, or keep sensitive personal data.

Key provisions in S. 4280

• Section 702 and related surveillance powers would last until April 20, 2028. Without this bill, they would end earlier.
• The Justice Department would audit FBI Section 702 searches every six months when they involve U.S. persons or people in the United States. Congress would get the full results without redactions.
• Agencies generally could not use Section 702 searches to access U.S. person message content, or similar protected information, without a warrant. Exceptions include existing court orders, emergencies, consent, some cybersecurity uses, and court-case evidence needs.
• FBI staff would need training, written reasons, and extra approval for sensitive searches. This includes searches involving members of Congress, judges, political groups, religious groups, and media subjects, with some notices sent to Congress and affected members.
• The bill would strengthen the ban on reverse targeting. That means agencies could not aim Section 702 collection at a foreign person as a back door to target U.S. persons or people in the United States.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 4280

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 4280

What is S. 4280?

The bill would keep Section 702 surveillance going until April 20, 2028. It would add new rules before agencies could search, use, or buy data about people in the United States.

How do I support or oppose S. 4280?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 4280?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain S. 4280 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.