The House and Senate have passed a short-term extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to prevent the controversial surveillance law from expiring. The measure, which provides a renewal until April 30, cleared the Senate by voice vote and now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature.
The short-term approval follows a post-midnight revolt in the House that sank efforts to extend Section 702. While President Trump had pushed for an 18-month extension and GOP leaders sought either a five-year or 18-month renewal, both votes failed.
Trump officials argue the program is vital to national security, but skeptics, including some Republicans, have stonewalled reauthorization without changes to protect civil liberties. Concerns have been raised regarding the FBI's use of the program to look into protesters, political donors, and members of Congress.
House Republican leadership is now working toward a FISA extension that includes small reforms. Lawmakers previously backed a 10-day extension to prevent the surveillance clause from expiring as Congress raced to meet its deadline.