The United States House of Representatives passed two significant measures Wednesday: one extending a major foreign surveillance authority and another approving a budget framework aimed at boosting immigration enforcement funding. The votes came after hours of internal Republican disagreements that temporarily stalled business on the House floor.
Lawmakers voted 235-191 to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. That provision allows U.S. intelligence agencies to collect communications involving foreign targets located outside the United States. Supporters say it is a key national security tool, while critics have raised civil liberties concerns. The authority was nearing expiration, adding urgency to the vote.
In a second major action, the House approved a Senate-passed budget resolution by a narrow 215-211 margin. The resolution does not itself provide direct spending but begins the legislative process for future funding bills. Republican leaders intend to use it to secure long-term money for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Border Patrol.
The day was marked by visible GOP divisions. Earlier, a bloc of conservative Republicans blocked a procedural rule vote, preventing several bills from reaching the floor. Mike Johnson and his leadership team spent hours negotiating with holdouts, including Andy Biggs, Tim Burchett, and Harriet Hageman. Eventually, the rule passed 216-210, allowing debate and votes on the stalled legislation.
Johnson said the package involved several difficult policy issues compressed by looming deadlines. In addition to the surveillance and budget measures, lawmakers were also considering a broad farm bill covering agricultural policy for the next five years.
The Senate’s next steps remain uncertain. John Thune indicated the House version of the surveillance bill may face resistance there, and senators may instead pursue a short-term extension.
Meanwhile, the budget resolution directs committees to draft legislation authorizing roughly $70 billion over three years for immigration enforcement agencies. Republicans plan to use budget reconciliation, which would let the measure pass the Senate with a simple majority rather than needing 60 votes.
Democrats have sought conditions in exchange for new enforcement money, such as body camera requirements for agents and limits on operations in sensitive locations. Those provisions were not included in the current framework.
Overall, the votes showed that despite a narrow majority and internal friction, House Republicans were still able to advance core priorities on national security and border enforcement.
