The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives voted to reauthorize a controversial surveillance program Friday, in a major step toward keeping a key element of the United States' foreign intelligence-gathering operation in place.
The House passed a bill reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in a 273-147 vote. The FISA bill now moves to the Senate, which is expected to give it bipartisan approval. Without congressional action, the program will expire on April 19.
Approval came after the duration of the bill was changed to two years from a previous version of five years, as some Republicans had sought.
FISA has attracted criticism from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, who argue it violates Americans' constitutional right to privacy. The bill was blocked three times in the past five months by House Republicans bucking their party.
Company wins court ruling to continue development of Michigan factory serving EV industry
Annie Kilner steps out in Cheshire with her baby son just seven days after giving birth
San Francisco finally opens its long
Eva Mendes, 50, displays her gorgeous complexion in stunning selfies
Who is Jacob Zuma, the former South African president disqualified from next week's election?
Young Laotians held at Myanmar casino fearful of fighting nearby — Radio Free Asia
The slang that makes you seem old: 'LOL, LMAO, YOLO, and BRB' make you seem dated and old
The EU will probe whether China is unfairly denying companies access to its medical devices market
Insider Q&A: CIA's chief technologist's cautious embrace of generative AI
Who is Baby Reindeer actress Nava Mau? And is her character Teri a real person?
Inquiry slams UK authorities for failures that killed thousands in infected blood scandal
Villagers in Mexico organize to take back their water as drought, avocados dry up lakes and rivers