The Senate passed a controversial surveillance bill on April 20, drawing criticism from several Republican lawmakers who argue that it violates Americans’ constitutional privacy protections.
The Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, which reauthorizes Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) for two years, passed in a 60–34 vote that concluded 45 minutes after the 12 a.m. ET deadline.
“We have good news for America’s national security: Senators have reached an agreement that clears the way to approve FISA reauthorization tonight,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said.
“Allowing FISA to expire would have been dangerous. It’s an important part of our national security toolkit and helps law enforcement stop terrorist attacks, drug trafficking, and violent extremism,” he added….
