Lawmakers Unite to Oppose Tucking Surveillance Program Extension into Defense Bill
• Progressives and conservatives uniting to oppose linking controversial surveillance program to must-pass defense bill
• Program allows government to monitor foreigners abroad without warrant, even if communicating with Americans
• Leaders discussing punting reauthorization to 2024 by temporarily extending program in defense bill
• Critics claim program infringes on civil liberties and has been abused
• 50+ lawmakers signed letter urging against linking extension to defense bill, calling it "inexcusable violation of the public’s trust"