Fight Over Clean FISA Section 702 Reauthorization
A conservative revolt in the House derailed President Trump's push for a clean 18-month reauthorization of FISA Section 702, the warrantless surveillance authority set to expire April 20. After Speaker Mike Johnson pulled the procedural rule vote on April 15 when it became clear he couldn't hold his caucus, leadership tried again on April 16 — but roughly 20 Republicans joined Democrats in tanking both a 5-year and the 18-month extension. In a chaotic late-night session, the House passed a 10-day stopgap extension through April 30 via voice vote at 2 AM on April 17. Rebels demanded warrant protections for Americans' communications and attachment of the SAVE America Act. Trump called FISA 702 vital for "SUCCESS on the battlefield," while civil-liberties critics from both parties — Raskin, Davidson, Wyden, Massie, Boebert, Luna — argued the administration had dismantled oversight safeguards. The fight resumes before April 30.