The Senate approved an extension of a warrantless surveillance law known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in the early hours of Saturday morning. The legislation, which had expired shortly before, was renewed for two years, with a vote of 60 to 34.
National security officials hailed the passage of the bill, emphasizing its importance in combating terrorism and other threats. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland praised the law, calling it “indispensable” for protecting Americans.
However, privacy advocates expressed concerns about the extension, arguing that it poses a threat to civil liberties. Amendments proposed by privacy-minded lawmakers were swiftly voted down, with Senator Mark Warner warning that any changes would have jeopardized the bill’s passage.
One of the defeated amendments would have required the government to obtain a warrant before accessing Americans’ communications collected under the program. Privacy advocates have long pushed for such protections, but national security officials argue that it would hinder the program’s effectiveness.
The Senate also rejected a proposal to eliminate a provision expanding the types of service providers that can be compelled to participate in the program. Critics warn that the provision is too broad and could lead to potential abuses.
Despite the controversy surrounding the extension of Section 702, the bill ultimately passed just before midnight. The debate over the law’s renewal has reignited concerns about the balance between national security and civil liberties, with critics warning of potential consequences for Americans’ privacy rights.
