House blocks extension of foreign surveillance program
Section 702 extension fails as House vote triggers surveillance program deadline Lawmakers clash over privacy and security—see what happens before Congress returns
The U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday rejected a shortterm extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, setting up the program to expire on Friday. The vote came after House Democrats withheld support over President Donald Trump’s decision to appoint Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
The measure failed 198218. Democratic leaders argued that any renewal should include reforms to protect privacy rights, while Republicans said the program is an important national security tool. Trump later announced Jay Clayton as his pick for the permanent intelligence chief role, but the announcement came after lawmakers had already left Washington.
Section 702 allows the government to collect communications involving foreign targets, including some exchanges with Americans. Supporters say it helps counter security threats, while critics warn it can sweep up U.S. citizens’ data. Lawmakers may revisit the issue when Congress returns later this month.