House Approves Extension of Controversial Surveillance Powers

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill to extend Section 702 of the FISA, sparking debate over privacy and national security.

The House of Representatives voted 273-147 to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for two years, with the bill now headed to the Senate.
A key amendment requiring warrants for searches of Americans' data was narrowly defeated in a tie vote, maintaining the status quo of warrantless surveillance.
Critics argue the bill expands government surveillance powers significantly, likening it to a new version of the Patriot Act.
Supporters claim the extension is crucial for national security, citing its role in preventing terrorism and other threats.
The bill has sparked a rare coalition of opposition from both progressive Democrats and pro-Trump Republicans, highlighting deep divisions over privacy concerns.