Spy Reform Bill Would Crack Down on ‘Arctic Frost’ Practice
A proposed spy reform bill called the NDO Fairness Act aims to limit the use of nondisclosure orders that allow government surveillance without notifying the individuals involved, following revelations from the 'Arctic Frost' investigation. Former special counsel Jack Smith used such orders to obtain data from Republican lawmakers without their knowledge, prompting bipartisan concern over surveillance overreach. The bill would require courts to justify the necessity of nondisclosure orders and ensure timely notification to affected individuals.
- ▪The NDO Fairness Act raises standards for government requests for nondisclosure orders, requiring justification for withholding notice.
- ▪Former special counsel Jack Smith obtained lawmakers' data through nondisclosure orders during the Arctic Frost investigation without informing them.
- ▪House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and Rep. Jamie Raskin both support the bill, reflecting bipartisan backing.
- ▪Senators Mike Lee and Chris Coons introduced the bill in the Senate, citing abuse of surveillance powers by government actors.
- ▪AT&T refused to comply with a subpoena in the Arctic Frost probe, raising questions about the legality of the nondisclosure orders used.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Home – Congressional & Capitol Hill News – Spy Reform Bill Would Crack Down on ‘Arctic Frost’ Practice news Spy Reform Bill Would Crack Down on ‘Arctic Frost’ Practice George Caldwell • May 16, 2026 Print Former special counsel Jack Smith (Alex Wong/Getty Images) After revelations about former special counsel Jack Smith’s use of nondisclosure orders to monitor lawmakers’ data without notifying them in his Arctic Frost investigation, some on Capitol Hill are calling for surveillance reform. As part of his Arctic Frost investigation of President Donald Trump and Republicans’ actions after the 2020 election, Smith sought the records of multiple Republican lawmakers.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Daily Signal.
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