Senate extends surveillance powers until April 30 after chaotic votes in House

The U.S. Senate approved a short-term extension of a controversial surveillance program used by intelligence agencies, just before its authority was set to expire.

The measure passed quickly by voice vote after a chaotic push in Congress, sending it to President Donald Trump for approval.

Lawmakers chose a temporary fix until April 30 after longer-term extension proposals failed to gain enough support.

The program remains politically divisive, with ongoing debate over balancing national security and Americans’ privacy rights, the AP has reported.

A fuller congressional battle over the surveillance authority is expected when the extension expires later this month.