House passes short-term FISA surveillance extension after GOP infighting blocks longer deal
The House passed a short-term extension of FISA surveillance powers until April 30 at 2:09 a.m. after Republicans blocked votes on a longer 18-month extension that President Trump wanted. The warrantless surveillance law was set to expire within days.
The House approved a temporary extension of controversial surveillance powers early Thursday morning after Republican infighting derailed President Trump's push for a longer deal.
The short-term fix extends Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act through April 30. The law allows the government to monitor communications without getting warrants first.
Republican leaders had tried to pass Trump's preferred 18-month extension, with White House officials pressuring GOP hard-liners to approve the clean extension. But conservative Republicans tanked procedural votes on Wednesday, forcing leadership to delay floor action.
Section 702 lets intelligence agencies collect communications from foreign targets, but often sweeps up Americans' messages too. Critics say this violates privacy rights, while supporters argue it's crucial for national security.
The unanimous consent vote happened in the dead of night after the regular legislative process broke down. House GOP leaders had delayed the Wednesday procedural vote after the rules committee approved the measure Tuesday night.
FISA lets the government monitor communications without warrants, affecting your privacy rights. The GOP split shows deep disagreements about government surveillance powers that could impact how much the feds can spy on Americans.
Congress must resolve the GOP split and pass a longer-term extension before the April 30 deadline.
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