Updated on: April 17, 2026 / 3:05 AM EDT / CBS/AP
Washington — The House early Friday approved a short-term renewal of a controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies, extending it only until April 30. The measure passed by unanimous consent and now heads to the Senate.
Lawmakers convened after Republicans revolted and refused President Trump’s push for a longer renewal. A late Thursday proposal would have extended the authority for five years with revisions, departing from the clean 18-month renewal Mr. Trump had demanded and that Speaker Mike Johnson had earlier supported. That effort collapsed when a key procedural vote fell short after GOP defections. “We were very close tonight,” Johnson said.
The standoff centered on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows the CIA, NSA, FBI and other agencies to collect and analyze large volumes of overseas communications without a warrant and can incidentally capture communications involving Americans who interact with foreign targets. U.S. officials say the authority is crucial for disrupting terrorist plots, countering cyber intrusions and foreign espionage, and proponents stress its importance amid the war with Iran. Opponents from both parties argue it permits federal authorities to review Americans’ communications without a warrant.
The late-night floor debate included sharp criticism from Democrats. Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts asked, “Does anybody actually know what the hell is in this thing? … Who the hell is running this place?” Many lawmakers were seen flipping through pages of the bill as votes began.
Mr. Trump and allies lobbied for a clean renewal throughout the week. Republicans visited the White House, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe spoke with GOP lawmakers. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said there had been “negotiations late into the night with the White House and some of our members.” On Truth Social, Mr. Trump urged Republicans to “UNIFY, and vote together on the test vote to bring a clean Bill to the floor. We need to stick together.”
