US spy law expires as Trump demands voting changes and defends controversial appointee

A key U.S. surveillance law, Section 702 of FISA, lapsed Friday night after Congress failed to pass a last-minute extension.

The deadlock was fueled by President Trump’s demand that lawmakers include a strict voter ID bill and his refusal to withdraw Bill Pulte, a controversial appointee for intelligence chief. Section 702 allows agencies to collect communications from non-citizens abroad without a warrant, providing over half of the president's daily intelligence. While officials warn of heightened national security risks, critics argue the law enables domestic spying, and existing court orders may allow some collection to continue temporarily.

Senate leaders are now weighing a strategy to renew the law while navigating the administration’s demands for electoral reform and personnel changes.