U.S. House rejects short‑term extension of Section 702 surveillance law

The House voted 198‑218 against a three‑week extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, falling short of the two‑thirds majority needed for passage. Lawmakers sought a clean, temporary renewal while negotiations continue over a long‑term reauthorisation. The measure failed amid opposition tied to President Donald Trump’s choice of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, which many Democrats criticised as unqualified. Only seven Democrats crossed party lines to support the bill, while 19 Republicans joined the majority in voting it down. House leaders warned that the lapse could leave the United States vulnerable as the World Cup draws international visitors and the war with Iran persists.