Government spy powers to lapse Friday unless Congress can strike deal

Published June 8, 2026 8:00am ET | Updated June 8, 2026 8:06am ET



A key federal spy tool is at risk of sunsetting on Friday unless Congress passes an extension of the authority that allows the government to surveil foreign persons without a warrant.

A Senate deal to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act for three years was upended last week after seven Republicans joined almost all Democrats, except for Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), to tank a procedural vote to kick off consideration of the extension on the floor.

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