Senate Sends Spy Law Extension To Trump Amid Gop Fight
The Senate Friday passed a short extension of a key government surveillance program ahead of a Monday deadline, after attempts at a long-term renewal failed amid GOP clashes in the House.
The Senate agreed in a voice vote to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act until April 30. The measure now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature.
The drama-free move in the Senate came after the House passed the extension as a hastily assembled Plan B, following a rebellion by GOP hard-liners who opposed a five-year deal that included some smaller changes to the warrantless surveillance law. Conservatives in the House have raised concerns about U.S. citizens being swept up in a program that is targeted at foreign individuals.
Even though Congress took steps to avoid a lapse, there's not yet a clear path to a long-term reauthorization that can win over House and Senate Republicans.
Senate Republicans have largely opted to let House Republicans go first and figure out what they can pass.
But Senate Majority Leader John Thune on Friday said his chamber could take the lead. He began teeing up a three-year extension of the law, saying Congress needs “optionality.”
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