Washington, United States. The US House of Representatives voted early Friday to extend a key government surveillance authorisation by two weeks after a Republican-backed effort for a five-year renewal failed to advance.
Two-week extension heads to the Senate
Members voted by unanimous consent to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) through 30 April. The measure now goes to the Senate, which faces a deadline as the authorisation is set to expire on 20 April.
A procedural vote began at around 12:15 a.m. local time (04:15 GMT).
Trump calls for renewal
President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Republican lawmakers to renew the provision, which permits US intelligence agencies to surveil foreign nationals abroad using data drawn from American digital infrastructure. Trump described Section 702 as vital to the US military and called on Republicans to support its extension.
Debate over privacy
Section 702 is among surveillance powers enacted after the September 11, 2001 attacks. Critics argue it infringes Americans’ constitutional right to privacy.
What should lawmakers prioritise as the Senate considers whether to renew or further extend Section 702?
