The warrantless surveillance law was set to expire Monday.
The House of Representatives passed a measure on Friday to temporarily extend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) through April 30. The Senate followed suit, sending the warrantless surveillance law, which was set to expire on Monday, to President Trump to sign.
The lower chamber deliberations on a 5-year or 18-month reauthorization fell apart after bipartisan concerns regarding privacy. The statutory authority allows the U.S. government to intercept the electronic communications of foreigners in other nations, but Section 702 controversially includes the communications of Americans with whom they may connect. The law was first enacted in 2008 as part of the U.S. response to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
President Trump had advocated for the 18-month authorization of the law. National security officials have maintained that the provision is essential for preventing terror plots, foreign espionage, drug trafficking, and cyber attacks.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For members of the House and Senate as they deliberate over a longer-term authorization of the FISA legislation.
- For discernment for President Trump as he promotes a “clean” extension of the gathering of surveillance data.
Sources: UPI News, Roll Call, CBS News
