Title 50 — War and National DefenseRelease 119-73not60
§1844 Authorization During Time of War
Title 50 › Chapter 36— FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE › Subchapter III— PEN REGISTERS AND TRAP AND TRACE DEVICES FOR FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE PURPOSES › § 1844
Summary
When Congress declares war, the President through the Attorney General can authorize a pen register or trap-and-trace device without a court order for 15 calendar days.
Full Legal Text
Title 50, §1844
War and National Defense — Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the President, through the Attorney General, may authorize the use of a pen register or trap and trace device without a court order under this subchapter to acquire foreign intelligence information for a period not to exceed 15 calendar days following a declaration of war by Congress.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
50 U.S.C. § 1844
Title 50 — War and National Defense
Last Updated
Apr 5, 2026
Release point: 119-73not60