House Backs Controversial Spy Powers Law After Several Tries (1)

April 29, 2026, 9:28 PM UTCUpdated: April 29, 2026, 10:39 PM UTC

The House backed a three-year extension of a controversial spy powers tool after days of internal GOP divisions.

The vote was 235-191 with 22 Republicans voting against and 42 Democrats voting for it.

The Senate still must back the extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before it’s set to lapse Thursday.

Section 702 allows US intelligence agencies to collect the communications of foreigners overseas. The tool is a hot-button issue with opponents on the right and left of the political spectrum, who argue it allows warrantless surveillance of Americans who are in contact with foreigners.

House ...

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