House Democrats Block Extension of Spy Powers

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Monday he will not support any extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act unless the acting Director of National Intelligence is removed from the post. Jeffries called the appointment “out of bounds” and said reversing it is only a starting point.

He told reporters there is no scenario under which he would back renewal while the current acting director remains in place.

Senate deal collapses A Senate agreement to extend the surveillance authority for three years fell apart last week after nearly all Democrats withdrew support. Only Sen. John Fetterman continued to back the measure. The collapse leaves the program dependent on another short-term patch before the June 12 deadline.