Congress debates renewal of warrantless overseas spy program

Congress is set to take up the reauthorization of a divisive program that lets U.S. spy agencies pore over foreigners’ calls, texts and emails, with supporters like President Donald Trump saying it has saved lives while critics point to concerns about warrantless surveillance of Americans.

According to Associated Press, a key provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act permits the CIA, NSA, FBI and other agencies to collect and analyse vast amounts of overseas communications without a warrant, incidentally sweeping up conversations of any Americans who interact with those targeted foreigners. The program expires on Monday, and critics want changes, including warrants before accessing Americans’ emails, phone calls or texts, plus limits on internet data brokers the government uses.

Trump, a longtime critic turned renewer, said extending the program is vital and urged lawmakers to extend it for another 18 months, arguing it has proved its value in recent U.S. actions in Venezuela and Iran. He also claimed the reform effort is being aggressively executed to keep Americans safe while protecting civil liberties. Written by Associated Press.