Congress misses deadline to pass extension of key spy program

Published June 13, 2026 12:01am ET | Updated June 13, 2026 12:02am ET



The deadline for Congress to extend a key government spy program passed at midnight after Democrats and Republicans failed to strike a deal to reauthorize the tool.

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows surveillance of foreign nationals abroad without a warrant, which proponents of the program argue is critical for national security. It is the first lapse in the program since it was enacted by Congress in 2008. 

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