The House voted overnight to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for two weeks after a bloc of 20 Republicans derailed a longer-term renewal.
Why it matters: The revolt is a significant setback for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and the White House, who both pushed for a clean long-term extension of the surveillance authority.
- The House agreed by unanimous consent to extend FISA until April 30 after a group of Republicans blocked attempts to pass five-year and 18-month renewals of the program.
- The short-term patch was a last-resort option for GOP leadership, who couldn't muscle the longer extension despite an aggressive whip effort.
- The program is set to lapse Monday.
Driving the news: Johnson was trying to pass a five-year extension of the national security tool with reforms after postponing an initial vote Wednesday.
- The deal that came after days of intense negotiations included warrant requirements, and other measures aimed at addressing privacy concerns.
- But a broad coalition of Republicans voted down the rule, preventing the bill from advancing and forcing leadership to pivot.
- Opposition came from both conservatives and Republicans who favored a clean extension.
What's next: The measure now heads to the Senate with little time to spare before the program expires.
• GOP leaders are hoping to use the next two weeks to hammer out a deal.
