House to Vote on Short-Term Extension of Surveillance Law Through July 2

The House will vote Thursday morning on a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act through July 2. The measure responds to a request from President Trump after Senate leaders rejected a plan to expedite a short-term extension earlier Wednesday.

Section 702, which allows intelligence agencies to collect communications of foreigners located abroad, expires on Friday.

Johnson announced the vote and told reporters that Senate leaders were still deliberating over a unanimous consent request needed to move the bill before the deadline. The House will act under a suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds majority.

House House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has said he will not support any extension while Bill Pulte remains set to serve as acting director of national intelligence. House Intelligence Committee ranking member Jim Himes echoed that position, stating that a July 2 extension would not pass in either chamber until President Trump nominates a replacement who can be confirmed.

“One day under Bill Pulte is one day too many." — Jim Himes, House Intelligence Committee ranking member Himes added that the only path forward is for the president to nominate someone who can be confirmed, after which lawmakers could resume negotiations on a longer-term bill.”

The House sent a longer-term extension measure to the Senate in April that included reforms. The Senate has been reviewing adjustments to that bill. President Trump has indicated he plans to nominate a replacement for Pulte, who is currently serving as acting director of national intelligence.