House blocks last-minute bid to reauthorize key surveillance program

The House failed to advance a bill reauthorizing Section 702 of FISA, voting 218-198 to block a temporary extension; a two-thirds vote was required to move the measure under the procedure used. The lapse would risk ending the post-9/11 surveillance program as Democrats oppose the appointment of Bill Pulte as acting DNI; 19 Republicans joined Democrats in the opposition. The Senate had approved only a short-term extension, and no long-term deal exists, with the program due to expire Friday at midnight.