The House of Representatives failed to temporarily extend a law that allows the United States to gather intelligence abroad, potentially limiting the country’s ability to collect foreign intelligence. The law, known as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), is set to expire on Friday at midnight.

Dispute Over Intelligence Director

The failure to extend the law is due to a dispute between President Donald Trump and Democrats over Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence. Democrats say Pulte lacks the necessary experience for the job and are refusing to support the renewal of FISA unless Trump withdraws Pulte’s appointment and nominates a permanent replacement.

Trump has stuck with Pulte, despite bipartisan opposition, and has asked Congress for a short-term extension of the law to allow time for the selection and confirmation of a permanent director. The House vote on the extension failed in a bipartisan fashion, with 198 votes in favor and 218 against.

Implications of FISA Expiration

If FISA expires, it could limit the ability of US intelligence agencies, such as the CIA and NSA, to collect communications from foreign targets overseas without a warrant. This could have significant implications for national security, particularly with the World Cup games beginning in cities around the country and celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary approaching.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other Republican leaders have lobbied Trump to quickly nominate a permanent replacement for the director of national intelligence, but Trump has said he needs more time to do so. The Senate may try to vote on its own extension of the law later, but hopes are dimming to prevent the potential lapse in the surveillance tool.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.