"The House of Representatives voted early on Friday to briefly extend an expiring and controversial law that grants the US government sweeping powers for warrantless surveillance. The decision to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (Fisa) until April 30 came via unanimous consent shortly after a 208 Democrats and 20 Republicans came together to defeat attempts to pass five-year and 18-month renewals."
"Donald Trump had been pushing for an 18-month extension, posting on Truth Social that the law was an effective tool to keep Americans safe and extremely important to our military, especially during the war in Iran, a dramatic shift from his call two years ago to KILL FISA after accusing the FBI of misusing the law to spy on his 2016 campaign."
"While the CIA credits Section 702 with helping to rescue hostages overseas and prevent a terror attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, critics warn that it allows the US government to spy on Americans without a warrant."
"California congressman Ro Khanna posted on X that it gives Donald Trump the power to surveil or collect data on Americans through a back door. A yes vote gives Trump more power to surveil Americans, Khanna said. Every Democrat must vote no. Everyone who loves the constitution must vote no."
The House of Representatives voted to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act until April 30. This law permits warrantless surveillance of communications involving foreigners outside the US. The extension was approved unanimously after attempts for longer renewals were defeated. Donald Trump supported the extension, citing its importance for national security, contrasting his previous stance against FISA. Critics argue it infringes on Americans' privacy rights, with concerns about government surveillance without warrants. Congressman Ro Khanna urged Democrats to oppose the extension, emphasizing constitutional rights.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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