The US House of Representatives has reauthorised a spying law after Speaker Mike Johnson made revisions to appease presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and other members of their party.
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or Fisa, a controversial piece of legislation that allows for warrantless surveillance, passed the House 273-147 on Friday after almost 20 Republicans blocked its reauthorisation earlier in the week, despite national security officials deeming it critical.
To tame Republican infighting, Johnson changed its language to renew the surveillance programme for two years instead of five.
Trump expressed opposition to the spying law on Wednesday, writing “KILL FISA” on his Truth Social platform. “IT WAS ILLEGALLY USED AGAINST ME, AND MANY OTHERS. THEY SPIED ON MY CAMPAIGN!!!”
Fisa, which is supported by the White House, needs to be renewed by April 19, or the programme expires. The legislation will now head to the Senate.