Congress passed a 45-day extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act on Thursday, prolonging a controversial program that was set to expire at the end of the day. The law grants U.S. intelligence agencies the authority to spy on foreigners without a warrant.
The extension comes amid bitter infighting and a back-and-forth between the House and the Senate. While the Republican-controlled House approved a three-year reauthorization that still requires sign-off from the Senate and President Donald Trump, the 45-day agreement serves as a temporary measure. House Speaker Mike Johnson refused to include key reforms pushed by progressive Democrats and hardliners within his own party.
Critics of the surveillance program argue that the current law enables the abusive surveillance of American citizens. This ongoing deadlock over Section 702 of the act has repeatedly stalled plans for a multi-year renewal as lawmakers continue to debate necessary reforms.