FISA WIRETAP LAW EXPIRES AS CONGRESS FAILS EXTENSION

Section 702 permits the NSA and FBI to conduct surveillance on foreign targets without individual warrants. The program has been a point of contention between privacy advocates and national security officials for years. Despite proponents warning of a surveillance "blackout," the lapse does not disable existing networks. Intelligence agencies retain other legal authorities to conduct operations, including traditional warrants and other surveillance tools. The failed vote marks the second failed reauthorization attempt this year. Congress previously granted a short-term extension, but lawmakers could not reach consensus on a longer renewal. The lapse is expected to last at least one week. Both supporters and critics of Section 702 have significant representation in Congress, complicating efforts to pass a clean extension or negotiate reforms to the program's oversight mechanisms.