A U.S. surveillance program, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), is nearing expiration after a failed vote in the House of Representatives. On June 8, 2026, lawmakers voted 198-218 against a temporary extension, which required a two-thirds majority for passage. The measure aimed to provide Congress with additional time to negotiate a long-term renewal. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated he would withhold support for the extension until President Trump reversed his decision to appoint Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
The failed extension was supported by seven Democrats, including Reps. Jared Golden, Vicente Gonzalez, Henry Cuellar, and Josh Gottheimer, while 19 Republicans opposed it due to concerns over privacy protections. The standoff has led to tensions in Congress, with the law set to expire on June 12, 2026, at 12:01 a.m.
Trump has urged lawmakers to reauthorize the program without modifications, while some Democrats and Republicans have expressed concerns about Pulte's qualifications for the intelligence post. The Section 702 program allows the U.S. government to collect intelligence on foreign individuals using U.S. communication systems and has been credited with preventing a terrorist attack at a Taylor Swift concert in 2024, among other intelligence operations.
Despite warnings from Republicans about national security risks if the program lapses, some Democrats argue that the situation is being exaggerated and point to a recent intelligence court ruling that allows for continued collection under existing law for another year. Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin emphasized the need for Congress to take the time to address the issue properly. GOP lawmakers warned that allowing the program to expire could lead to significant risks and legal challenges.