WASHINGTON, United States: The US House of Representatives on Thursday rejected a short-term extension of a major warrantless surveillance program, leaving one of Washington’s most powerful intelligence tools on course to expire within hours. The failed vote on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act came after Democrats — and some Republicans — balked at renewing the authority amid a wider fight over President Donald Trump’s plan to install close ally Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence (DNI).

Senate Democrats appeared ready to reject President Donald Trump’s request for a short-term extension of a key surveillance authority Wednesday, arguing the president’s promise to…

Senate Democrats and seven Republicans voted 47-52 to block FISA Section 702 extension ahead of its June 12 expiration, demanding warrant reforms.

Democrats are refusing to back an extension of Section 702.