House Republicans Block Extension of Warrantless Surveillance Program

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:23:00 +0200

In a late-night vote on Friday, a group of House Republicans defied party leadership and President Donald Trump by blocking a proposal to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a program that allows federal agencies to access Americans' communications without a warrant. The failed extension highlights growing bipartisan concerns over privacy and government overreach. Twenty Republicans, mainly from the House Freedom Caucus and the party's libertarian wing, voted against both a five-year reauthorization with minimal warrant provisions and an 18-month short-term extension. Section 702 permits surveillance of foreign targets but has historically resulted in widespread warrantless access to Americans' emails, calls, and texts. While Congress’ action is not strictly required for the program to continue—since the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court recertified it through March 2027—the lack of legislative approval leaves it politically vulnerable and on uncertai