US Congress Temporarily Extends Controversial FISA Surveillance Law

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Washington D.C.: The United States Congress has approved a temporary extension of a controversial surveillance law that allows intelligence agencies to collect communications data of foreign nationals, including contacts involving US citizens. The short-term measure keeps Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in force until April 30 after it passed the House of Representatives and was approved by the Senate on Friday.

The extension follows a breakdown in efforts by Donald Trump to secure a longer-term renewal of the law. Trump had pushed for an 18-month extension without major changes.

Section 702 permits the National Security Agency and other intelligence services to gather communications data from foreigners located outside the United States. That collection can also capture exchanges involving Americans, drawing criticism from civil liberties advocates.

Opponents argue the system enables so-called “backdoor searches,” allowing access to communications involving US citizens without obtaining a traditional court warrant.

Supporters of reform from both major political parties have called for changes requiring stronger privacy protections and judicial oversight.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said lawmakers were still exploring reforms that could win enough support.

“We’ve got to pivot and figure out what can pass,” Thune told reporters after the vote.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie was among those opposing a clean extension, saying he would vote against any bill lacking warrant requirements and stronger protections for Americans’ privacy rights.

Originally enacted in 1978, FISA was expanded in 2008 with the addition of Section 702 during the post-9/11 “war on terror” era. Supporters say the program remains vital for detecting foreign threats and protecting national security.