Over 40 House Democrats bail Johnson out on three-year extension of government spy powers

Published April 29, 2026 5:28pm ET | Updated April 29, 2026 7:06pm ET



House Democrats helped Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) overcome a GOP rebellion on Wednesday to pass a three-year extension of a key government surveillance program that allows warrantless wiretapping of noncitizens.

In a bipartisan vote, the House voted 235-191 to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The measure only passed because of Democratic support.

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