politics
Senate blocks surveillance program extension in 47-52 vote
A procedural motion to schedule a final vote on renewing a key surveillance authority failed early Friday. The setback leaves the program set to expire on June 12 unless lawmakers reach a new agreement next week.
Jun 5, 7:00 AM·1m read1 source
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The Senate early Friday blocked a procedural motion needed to advance an extension of a surveillance program used by U.S. intelligence agencies. The motion failed 47-52, with seven Republicans joining nearly all Democrats in opposition. The vote came after an overnight session on separate legislation funding immigration enforcement agencies.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated afterward that the Senate "will take another run at it" next week.
Background on the program The provision in question allows agencies such as the CIA, the National Security Agency, and the FBI to collect communications from foreign targets without a warrant. Past concerns over incidental collection of Americans' communications have led to repeated short-term extensions.
Reactions from senators Sen.
Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said a compromise bill had been reached with committee Chair Sen. Tom Cotton but that the appointment process had changed the situation. " Sen. , told The Associated Press that the bipartisan vote showed "reform efforts transcend red and blue" and that Americans would not accept law-abiding people being spied on.
" The Senate is expected to revisit the legislation next week, though any agreement must still clear a 60-vote threshold before moving to the House.
