The House rejected a short-term extension of a government spy program set to lapse in just one day.
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naddr1qv…ae0gHouse votes down FISA patch, risking first-ever lapse The House of Representatives voted down a short-term extension for Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a government spy program that allows surveillance of foreign nationals abroad without a warrant. The failure to pass the extension is due to disagreements over reforms and the acting Director of National Intelligence appointment. Members of both parties cited various reasons for their opposition, including concerns about privacy rights and the need for significant reforms to FISA. - The House rejected a three-week extension of Section 702 of FISA by a vote of 198-218. - Democrats largely withheld support due to President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, citing his lack of experience. - Some Republicans opposed the extension, advocating for a Senate-passed three-year deal with reforms or demanding a warrant requirement for U.S. citizen data. - House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of using the program as a political hostage and criticized the Senate for not passing a previous three-year extension. - Democratic leaders stated they could not support reauthorization without significant reforms to protect constitutional privacy rights. - Despite the lapse, some argue the program will not 'go dark' as it has an existing authorization until 2027 from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. - With the House leaving for recess, attention shifts to the White House for a potential executive order to extend the program's authorities.