House passes reauthorization of US spy program after GOP upheaval
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted Friday to reauthorize and reform a key U.S. government surveillance tool following a dramatic showdown on the floor over whether the FBI should be restricted from using the program to search for Americans’ data.
The bill was approved on a bipartisan basis, 273-147, though it will still have to clear the Senate to become law. The surveillance program is set to expire on April 19 unless Congress acts.
Passage of the bill represented a much-needed victory for Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who has been wrangling with conservative critics of the legislation for months. A group of 19 Republicans revolted to block the bill from coming to the floor earlier in the week, forcing Johnson to make late changes to secure their support.
The legislation approved Friday would extend the surveillance program for two years, rather than the full five-year authorization first proposed. Johnson hoped that the shorter timeline would sway GOP critics by pushing any future debate on the issue to the presidency of Donald Trump if he were to win back the White House in November.
Related articles
Philippines blames China for loss of giant clams in disputed shoal and urges environmental inquiry
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines blamed Chinese fishermen on Monday for a massive loss of2024-05-22Steve Albini dead: Legendary rock producer passes away aged 61
Legendary music producer Steve Albini, best known for recording with Nirvana, has passed away aged 62024-05-22Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift will get engaged within a YEAR, claims Dave Portnoy
Dave Portnoy thinks Travis Kelce's bond with Patrick Mahomes runs so deep that the tight end may nam2024-05-22Crash between truck and passenger van in China's Ningxia region kills 9 people
BEIJING (AP) — A truck crashed into a passenger van on a highway in northwestern China’s Ningxia reg2024-05-22Not so Cool Britannia! Noel Gallagher gives damning verdict on Keir Starmer
Noel Gallagher has insisted he would still back Tony Blair for PM - as he warned Keir Starmer not to2024-05-22Gunmen kill 7 barbers in Pakistan's volatile Baluchistan province
QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — Attackers fatally shot seven barbers before dawn Thursday in a home in a vol2024-05-22
atest comment