Senate Blocks Extension of Warrantless Surveillance Program

The Senate on Friday blocked a procedural motion that would have allowed a final vote next week on extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The 47-52 tally means the warrantless surveillance authority will expire June 12 without further congressional action.

Seven Republicans joined Democrats to oppose the motion. The seven were Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri, Mike Lee of Utah, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Eric Schmitt of Missouri, Rick Scott of Florida, John Kennedy of Louisiana and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama.

Background on the program and objections Section 702 permits U.S. intelligence agencies to collect communications of foreign targets without a warrant. Critics have long argued the program can incidentally capture Americans' communications without judicial approval.

Republican Sen. Mike Lee posted on X that the program should require a warrant to access Americans' data. Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon called the bipartisan vote evidence that reform efforts cross party lines.

Nomination concerns and next steps The vote occurred amid objections to President Trump's selection of federal housing finance regulator Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Senate would attempt to revive the measure next week.

Democratic Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the nomination altered the prospects for the bill. The Senate is expected to revisit the legislation when lawmakers return next week; any agreement would still require 60 votes and House concurrence.