The US House rejected a proposal to extend a key foreign surveillance program (Section 702 of FISA) through July 2, causing it to expire Friday. Democrats withheld support due to President Trump's controversial appointment of Bill Pulte as acting DNI, citing his lack of national security experience and alleged political motivations.
The U.S. House rejected a short-term extension of a key foreign surveillance program (Section 702 of FISA), which is set to expire Friday. Democrats withheld support due to President Trump's controversial pick for acting DNI, Bill Pulte, citing his lack of national security experience and alleged political motivations. Nineteen Republicans also voted against the measure.
Congress failed to pass a three-week extension for FISA Section 702, a controversial surveillance program, leading to its lapse. Proponents warn of national security risks, while critics argue the "going dark" narrative is misleading and push for reforms like warrant requirements for US person data.
The U.S. House rejected a proposal to extend a key foreign surveillance program (Section 702 of FISA) through July 2, as Democrats withheld support due to President Trump's controversial pick for acting DNI, Bill Pulte. The program is set to expire Friday.
President Trump is sticking with Bill Pulte as acting DNI despite bipartisan criticism, risking the lapse of the crucial FISA Section 702 surveillance program. Democrats and some Republicans oppose Pulte, fearing politicization and demanding reforms, while Trump blames Democrats for holding national security "hostage."
The US Congress faces a June 12 deadline to reauthorize Section 702 of the FISA, but negotiations are stalled. A 45-day extension was granted in April for reforms, but none have been made. A recent Senate vote (52-47) failed to pass a 3-year renewal due to Democratic opposition triggered by President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte, a businessman without security clearance, as acting Director of National Intelligence. Critics fear Trump's history of abusing surveillance powers and his suggestion to 'gut' the ODNI, potentially firing staff from previous administrations, complicates the reauthorization, especially without reforms like warrant requirements for US person queries.
Congress has reauthorized Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for 45 days, until June 14, 2026, to allow time for reform negotiations. The House passed the bill 261-111 on Thursday after the Senate settled on a 45-day extension following debate between Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR), who wanted three weeks, and Tom Cotton (R-AR), who cited the program's use in a recent US raid on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The legislation includes some reforms but does not include a warrant requirement for US person queries, drawing criticism from privacy advocates who call it 'empty-calories.'
