Senate passes measure to reauthorize intelligence programs related to FISA Court, Freedom Act

The Senate on Thursday passed legislation to reauthorize lapses to the U.S. intelligence program.

The measure combines the reauthorization of the USA Freedom Act provisions with changes to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, or FISA court, and passed in the GOP-controlled chamber 80-16, according to The Hill. 

The measure was first passed in the House and modified in the Senate before passage, which means the lower chamber must pass the amended measure. However, it’s unclear whether the Democrat-controlled House will address the measure when members return Friday. 

The Senate version strengthens some individual protections. Efforts to pass the measure were led by Sens. Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont.) 

Whether President Trump would ultimately sign such a measure also is unclear, considering his concerns about the intelligence community’s action when investigating whether his 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia.