House Republicans block effort to reauthorize a key US spy tool [Video]

A rift has emerged among House Republicans over the reauthorization of the controversial surveillance program, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), set to expire next week.FBI Director Christopher Wray is urging Congress to reauthorize the program. “It is critical in securing our nation and we are in crunch time with our 702 authority to expire next week,” said Wray.Section 702 permits warrantless surveillance of foreigners overseas and allows the FBI to collect data from Americans if they’re communicating with those foreigners. Rep. Nancy Mace, a Republican from Georgia, voiced her concerns. “Let’s do FISA, but do it while we are protecting law-abiding citizens,” said Mace.On Wednesday, 19 Republicans voted against a procedural vote, demanding the inclusion of warrant requirements for Americans. Wray warned against the failure to reauthorize the program. “Failure to reauthorize 702 or gutting it with some kind of warrant requirement would be dangerous and …