The Senate approved a short-term extension of controversial surveillance powers until April 30 following a chaotic post-midnight House vote where Republicans defied President Trump’s demand for a longer renewal.

House Republicans Block Trump’s Push

House Speaker Mike Johnson faced a stunning rebuke early Friday when fellow Republicans rejected Trump’s call for an 18-month surveillance extension. The revolt forced GOP leaders to unveil a revised five-year proposal late Thursday, which also collapsed without advancing. The House ultimately approved only a brief stopgap measure after midnight, sending it to the Senate where it passed by voice vote hours before the Monday deadline.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune indicated uncertainty about the path forward, telling reporters his team would prepare for multiple scenarios. The surveillance program, used by U.S. intelligence agencies to monitor foreign communications, has faced mounting bipartisan criticism over privacy concerns and potential abuse.

Growing Bipartisan Opposition

Senator Ron Wyden, a longtime surveillance critic, initially delayed Senate action to demand reforms but ultimately allowed the extension to proceed. The Oregon Democrat noted unprecedented support across both parties and chambers for substantial changes to the surveillance tool. Wyden rejected the traditional security-versus-liberty framing, calling it garbage and insisting Americans deserve both protection and constitutional rights.

What Happens Next

The 13-day extension gives Congress breathing room to negotiate broader reforms, though deep divisions within the Republican conference complicate prospects for a longer-term solution. Trump now faces a decision whether to sign the measure his own party forced through against his wishes. The April 30 deadline sets up another potential showdown as lawmakers grapple with balancing national security needs against privacy protections that resonate with both conservative and progressive voters.