US Congress passes short-term renewal of Fisa warrantless spying powers
Summary
The US Congress passed a 45-day extension of a law called section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which allows intelligence agencies to spy without a warrant on some communications. Lawmakers remain divided over how to reform the law to protect Americans' privacy, and no long-term agreement has been reached yet.Key Facts
- Congress extended section 702 of FISA for 45 days to continue warrantless spying powers.
- Section 702 allows spying on foreigners outside the US without a warrant, but Americans’ communications can also be collected if they talk to those foreigners.
- There is disagreement in Congress, especially among Republicans and Democrats, about adding reforms to protect Americans’ privacy.
- Some lawmakers want a warrant requirement to search Americans’ communications to comply with the 14th Amendment.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to include key reforms suggested by both party hardliners and progressive Democrats.
- The extension is the second short-term renewal in one month due to difficulties reaching a deal.
- Intelligence agencies say they need these powers to prevent terrorist attacks, while privacy advocates say the law is abused to spy on Americans unlawfully.
- President Donald Trump supports the clean extension without adding a warrant requirement.
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