Lawmakers remain divided over whether or not to reauthorize the controversial surveillance program FISA.
© Dick Blount / USA TODAY NETWORK
(Washington, DC) – Legislation that aims to reauthorize a controversial government surveillance program failed to advance on Wednesday. Both Democrats and some Republicans came together and voted against a procedural measure. If it passed the legislation would have headed for an official debate on the House floor.
A group of conservative lawmakers joined with Democrats to tank the vote. It centers on a section of FISA, or the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican out of Louisiana, has supported the legislation that aims to renew Section 702 of FISA. He claims it includes reforms so as to protect Americans’ privacy. But others are less convinced, and note FISA courts have been used to spy on Americans — even without a warrant.
Former President Trump called on lawmakers to “KILL FISA,” after it was used to illegally spy on his campaign in 2016 — leading to the phony “Russian Collusion” hoax. Without further action, FISA will expire on April 19th.
