House to Vote on Renewing Controversial Surveillance Program, Drawing Criticism from Civil Liberties Advocates
• House Republicans expected to vote on renewing controversial FISA surveillance tool Section 702 next week when they return from recess • Section 702 lets government monitor foreign nationals abroad without warrant, even if communicating with US citizens • Debate over renewal has united some on left and right concerned about civil liberties and improper FBI surveillance • Supporters say Section 702 critical to prevent terror attacks; critics say it tramples on rights and should require more oversight • Previous compromise proposals to renew Section 702 collapsed over disputes about adding civil liberty protections like warrant requirements