Two senior Republican senators are warning that a key surveillance program could expire, potentially creating dangerous intelligence gaps. The officials have urged the Trump administration to prepare for this possibility.
The program, which remains a subject of heated debate, is set to lapse unless Congress acts. Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley have raised concerns about the consequences of inaction.
The lawmakers argue that losing the authority would hamper efforts to monitor foreign threats. They emphasized the need for continuity in intelligence collection capabilities.
The surveillance measure has drawn criticism from privacy advocates who see it as overreaching. The program allows for broad data collection without warrants in some cases.
Supporters in Congress insist the authority is essential for national security. They point to recent threats that were identified through the program’s methods.
The White House has not yet publicly responded to the senators’ letter. Debate over reauthorization is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
Intelligence officials have previously described the tool as critical for counterterrorism. Privacy groups have consistently challenged its legality and scope.
The expiration date is fast approaching, leaving little time for compromise. Both chambers face pressure to reach an agreement before the deadline.
