dailyloe.com – The US House of Representatives voted early Friday to extend a controversial surveillance law. The vote came via unanimous consent. It extends Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The short-term extension lasts until April 30.
The decision defeated attempts to pass longer renewals. A five-year and an 18-month renewal were both rejected. The vote to defeat those plans involved 208 Democrats and 20 Republicans. This was a blow to Republican long-term plans for the law.
Section 702 was first enacted in 2008. It allows warrantless collection of communications. National security agencies can collect texts and emails. This applies to foreigners living outside the United States.
The collection also covers communications with Americans. It includes any talks between Americans and non-American targets. The law was set to expire on Monday. It requires periodic reauthorization to avoid expiration.
Former President Donald Trump pushed for an 18-month extension. He posted on Truth Social about the law. Trump called it an effective tool for safety. He said it was extremely important to the military.
Trump specifically mentioned the war in Iran. This marked a dramatic shift from his past stance. Two years ago he called to kill FISA. He accused the FBI of misusing it to spy on his campaign.
The CIA credits Section 702 with specific successes. It helped rescue hostages overseas. It also helped prevent a terror attack. That attack was planned for a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna.
Critics warn the law enables warrantless spying on Americans. California congressman Ro Khanna posted on X before the vote. He said it gives Donald Trump power to surveil Americans. He called it a backdoor method for data collection.
Khanna urged Democrats to vote against longer renewals. He said a yes vote gives Trump more surveillance power. He stated every Democrat must vote no. He said everyone who loves the constitution must vote no.
In other developments, Donald Trump announced a ceasefire. It is a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon. A meeting between Israeli and Lebanese leaders will follow next week.
Progressive Democrat Analilia Mejia won a special election. She won a New Jersey seat for the US House on Thursday. Mejia was endorsed by Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Mejia is far more critical of Israel. She was the only Democratic primary candidate to call Israel’s actions genocide. This refers to actions during the war in Gaza.
Todd Lyons is stepping down from his role. He is the acting director of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. His departure follows a turbulent year. He carried out Donald Trump’s immigration agenda.
Donald Trump also made a nomination. He nominated Erica Schw… The article’s source text cuts off at this point. No further information is provided about this nomination.[]
Source: The Guardian
