A key Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act authority lapsed after the Trump administration declined to pursue legislative renewal of the surveillance tool. The expiration leaves a gap in one of the government’s primary frameworks for monitoring foreign communications.
Congress had debated reforms to the FISA provision for months without reaching a bipartisan agreement. White House officials said they would not push for an extension under the existing terms.
Intelligence agencies use FISA authorities to conduct electronic surveillance of foreign targets with judicial oversight. The lapsed provision had been subject to periodic congressional reauthorization for years.
Lawmakers from both parties warned that the lapse could hinder counterterrorism and counterintelligence operations. Negotiations over a replacement or renewal framework were expected to continue on Capitol Hill.
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