A bloc of House Republicans has forced a last-minute, short-term extension of a key surveillance authority. The House voted overnight to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for just two weeks after 20 GOP members blocked attempts to pass longer-term renewals. The program was set to lapse on Monday, creating a deadline that spurred the emergency action.
The revolt represents a significant political setback for both House Speaker Mike Johnson and the White House. Both had aggressively pushed for a clean, long-term extension of the national security tool. The Speaker had been trying to pass a five-year extension with reforms after postponing an initial vote earlier in the week.