House fails to renew surveillance law with required votes

The House of Representatives voted 218-198 on June 11 against renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The measure required two-thirds support to pass under expedited procedures and fell short. The statute authorizes U.S. spy agencies to collect communications of foreigners located outside the United States.

Lawmakers have said data obtained under the provision forms the bulk of the president's daily security briefing.

Background on the provision Section 702 has been in effect for nearly two decades. Privacy advocates have argued the collection can incidentally capture Americans' communications. The measure's failure means the authority will expire on June 12 for the first time since enactment.

Officials said existing yearlong court certifications allow surveillance to continue through March 2027 without new legislation.

Congressional reactions The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said the impact of expiration remains an untested question that could lead to court challenges. He added that lawmakers preferred not to leave outcomes to litigation given national security stakes.

Republican leaders in both chambers had warned of potential gaps in foreign intelligence collection. One senator wrote to the secretary of state that a lapse could create a significant gap ahead of summer events. Democrats in both chambers stated they would support renewal only if the acting director of national intelligence is removed.

They described the temporary appointee, a federal housing official, as lacking national security experience.