Apr 20, 2024 - Politics & Policy

Senate passes reauthorization of key surveillance authorities

Stef W. Kight

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) leaves a news conference after impeachment proceedings — Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) leaves a news conference. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The Senate reauthorized the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a key. U.S. surveillance authority, shortly after it expired in the early hours Saturday morning.

Why it matters: The reauthorization came despite bipartisan concerns about Section 702, which allows the government to collect communications from non-U.S. citizens overseas without a warrant.

The legislation passed the Senate 60 to 34, with 17 Democrats, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and 16 Republicans voting "nay."
It extends the controversial Section 702 for two more years.

Catch up quick: The House passed the bill earlier this month after days of infighting between privacy and national security hawks.

It will now be sent to President Biden's desk.

What they're saying: "In the nick of time... we are reauthorizing FISA right before it expires at midnight," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said late Friday.

"All day long, we persisted and persisted and persisted in trying to reach a breakthrough and in the end, we have succeeded."

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Senate passes reauthorization of key surveillance authorities

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