In the early hours of Saturday morning, Congress passed a two-year extension of a surveillance program known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), despite concerns from critics about its impact on Americans’ privacy. This reauthorization comes after the House approved the measure last week, and it now awaits President Biden’s signature.
Section 702 allows U.S. intelligence agencies to collect digital communications from foreigners overseas without obtaining a warrant, even if those communications involve individuals inside the United States. Proponents of the program, including Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, argue that it is a crucial tool for national security.
The Senate passed the extension with a vote of 60-34, following a federal court’s decision earlier this month to grant the government a one-year extension to continue intelligence collection after the law technically expired at midnight on Friday.
While supporters emphasize the importance of maintaining surveillance capabilities, critics from both the left and the right express concerns about the potential intrusion on Americans’ privacy. Despite these objections, Congress opted to extend the program for another two years, citing its significance in the national security landscape.