Senate clears short-term FISA extension

Kathleen Hunter

Sen. Ron Wyden speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on DeC. 9, 2025. Photo: Heather Diehl/Getty Images

An effort to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act through April 30 passed the Senate on Friday by voice vote.

Why it matters: The vote sends the measure to President Trump for his signature, giving Congress two more weeks to try to figure out a way to pass a longer renewal.

FISA was set to lapse Monday.

Driving the news: GOP leaders pivoted to a short-term extension overnight after a bloc of 20 House Republicans derailed a longer-term renewal.

The revolt was a significant setback for House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and the White House, both of whom pushed for a clean long-term extension of the surveillance authority.

Zoom in: The House agreed by unanimous consent early Friday to extend FISA until April 30 after a group of Republicans blocked attempts to pass five-year and 18-month renewals of the program.

Johnson originally 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.
Opposition came from both conservatives and Republicans who favored a clean extension.

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Senate clears short-term FISA extension

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