Congress fails to extend FISA Section 702 before Friday deadline
What's next: The surveillance authority appears set to lapse for the first time as lawmakers leave Washington without a deal.
The House and Senate failed Thursday to approve even a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, pushing a key U.S. surveillance power to the edge of expiration on Friday. The House rejected a three-week extension, 198-218, falling short of the two-thirds majority required. Nineteen Republicans voted no, while seven Democrats backed the measure. In the Senate, three attempts to clear temporary extensions by unanimous consent also failed. The standoff has centered in part on President Donald Trump's selection of Bill Pulte for acting director of national intelligence, a move Democrats oppose, arguing he lacks intelligence, law enforcement and military experience.