Senate Blocks Short-Term Extension of Section 702 Surveillance Program as Expiration Looms and Contingency Planning Begins

The Senate blocked an extension of a key warrantless surveillance program early Friday, leaving Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act set to expire on June 12 without further intervention. The procedural motion that would have set up a final vote on the extension next week failed 47-52. Seven Republicans joined Democrats to vote against the motion.

The seven Republicans 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. Democratic Sen.

John Fetterman was the only Democrat who voted to move ahead with the reauthorization vote. Sen. Mike Lee posted on X: "No warrant to protect Americans? " Senate Majority Leader John Thune said following the vote that the Senate will take another run at it next week.

Thune said Democrats' opposition is a terribly irresponsible position. Thune said the naming of Pulte to the position, although the timing wasn't the best, should not derail something this important. Thune said the position shouldn't be weaponized and the office should be led by professionals.

Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon said the bipartisan vote was proof that reform efforts transcend red and blue. Wyden said it is a message that Americans aren't going to stand for law-abiding people being spied on.

Sen. Mark Warner voted against the bill. Warner said he and Sen. Tom Cotton had reached a compromise on a strong bill but that the complete irresponsibility of putting forward Pulte had changed the equation.