House Approves FISA Extension, Budget Framework For DHS Funding

Rep. Glenn Thompson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, expressed confidence the bill would pass. However, Rep. Lauren Boebert criticized the legislation and said she would support it only while seeking changes in negotiations with the Senate.

The surveillance program renewal remains uncertain in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the House version is unlikely to advance and that he is pursuing a short-term extension.

Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee warned against allowing the program to lapse. Rep. Jim Himes defended the authority during floor debate.

“If we saw the slightest hint that these authorities were being abused, I wouldn’t be standing here today to support this bill,” Himes said. “Section 702 is not a dragnet. It is not an authority that can be used to surveil Americans.”