US Congress passes 10-day extension of surveillance law amid Republican infighting
Summary
The US Congress passed a 10-day extension to a surveillance law called Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) after Republicans disagreed on a longer renewal without changes. The law allows intelligence agencies to collect communications involving foreigners abroad, but critics want new rules to protect Americans' privacy.Key Facts
- Congress approved a short, 10-day extension of Section 702 to avoid its expiration on April 20.
- Section 702 lets agencies collect emails and texts from foreigners outside the US without a warrant.
- Communications of Americans who talk to these foreigners can also be collected "incidentally."
- Privacy advocates and some lawmakers want a new rule requiring warrants for Americans' communications caught this way.
- Republican leaders tried and failed twice to pass a longer, unchanged renewal of the law.
- A rare group of progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans opposed the renewal without changes.
- The vote to extend the law happened after heated debate late at night and early morning.
- Supporters say the program is needed to stop terrorism and foreign spying. Opponents want reforms to protect privacy.
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