After Trump Broadside, Surveillance Bill Collapses in the House Right-wing House Republicans on Wednesday blocked legislation to extend an expiring warrantless surveillance law that national security officials call crucial to gathering intelligence and fighting terrorism, dealing Speaker Mike Johnson a stinging defeat after former President Donald J. Trump urged lawmakers to kill the bill. In an upset on the House floor, the measure, which would extend a section of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act known as Section 702, failed what is normally a routine procedural test. On a vote of 228 to 193, 19 House Republicans, most aligned with the ultraconservative House Freedom Caucus, joined Democrats in opposing its consideration. Such defections were once considered unthinkable but have become increasingly common as the hard right has rebelled against G.O.P. leaders. It was unclear how Republicans would attempt to move forward. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/10/...3156&user_id=fecdfdffdaaa11107b72f0f4f6e429cc Just as he killed the border bill so too His Orangeness has killed the surveillance bill. So long as the base remains devoted to the former Grifter-in-Chief congressional POTer's will remain fearful of voting against his decrees. The Crazy being completely under his thumb.
