Key U.S. foreign surveillance authority expires due to congressional inaction

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a critical authority enabling U.S. intelligence agencies to collect electronic communications from non-U.S. persons abroad, has lapsed. This marks the first time in nearly two decades that Congress has failed to reauthorize the law. The expiration raises concerns about national security monitoring capabilities and potential implications for civil liberties, though some surveillance may continue under existing certifications.