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April 17, 2026

House extends FISA surveillance powers amid GOP divisions

  • The House and Senate passed a 10-day extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act due to GOP divisions preventing a longer-term solution.
  • Donald Trump urged Republicans to unify behind Speaker Mike Johnson, but dissent led to a chaotic late-night vote.
  • Section 702 allows warrantless surveillance of Americans' communications, raising significant privacy concerns and calls for reform from both progressives and conservatives.