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Senate Divided Over Reauthorization of Controversial Surveillance Law

1/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The January 28, 2026 hearing on Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Section 702 addressed its expiration without reauthorization.
Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican and Committee Chair, stressed Section 702's importance for national security.
Ranking Member Dick Durbin, a Democrat, argued the law has been misused to collect Americans' private communications and that it lacks safeguards to protect civil liberties.

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Story summary

The January 28, 2026 hearing on Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Section 702 addressed its expiration without reauthorization.
Senator Chuck Grassley, a Republican and Committee Chair, stressed Section 702's importance for national security.
Ranking Member Dick Durbin, a Democrat, argued the law has been misused to collect Americans' private communications and that it lacks safeguards to protect civil liberties.