House votes down FISA patch, risking first-ever lapse
The House rejected a short-term extension of a government spy program set to lapse in just one day.
TL;DR
- The House rejected a three-week extension of Section 702 of FISA by a vote of 198-218.
- Democrats largely withheld support due to President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, citing his lack of experience.
- Some Republicans opposed the extension, advocating for a Senate-passed three-year deal with reforms or demanding a warrant requirement for U.S. citizen data.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson accused Democrats of using the program as a political hostage and criticized the Senate for not passing a previous three-year extension.
- Democratic leaders stated they could not support reauthorization without significant reforms to protect constitutional privacy rights.
- Despite the lapse, some argue the program will not 'go dark' as it has an existing authorization until 2027 from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court.
- With the House leaving for recess, attention shifts to the White House for a potential executive order to extend the program's authorities.