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Mike Johnson faces revolt from GOP privacy hawks threatening to kill FISA renewal as deadline looms

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House GOP leadership is struggling to win over GOP privacy hawks as lawmakers race to extend a powerful government surveillance program ahead of Thursday’s deadline. 

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The House Rules Committee on Tuesday postponed consideration of a rule teeing up a chamber-wide vote on an extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) as Republicans remain sharply divided over the program.

The plan would renew the spy law for three years while enacting new penalties for abuses of FISA searches. The measure, however, stops short of incorporating a warrant requirement desired by GOP privacy hawks, who want the adoption of tougher privacy guardrails.

The postponed committee action raises doubts about whether House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., can pass an extension of the law before it lapses on April 30.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 13, 2026. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

HOUSE VOTE ON ‘VERY SIMILAR’ SPENDING BILL EXPECTED FRIDAY MORNING, GOP LAWMAKER SAYS

The mounting obstacles to passing a FISA renewal in the House could also allow the Senate to act first and force the lower chamber to swallow whatever it passes. The Senate is scheduled to hold a procedural vote on a three-year extension bill later on Tuesday.

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Democrats on the House Rules Committee blasted Republicans for indefinitely postponing consideration of the measure after punting a previously scheduled Tuesday morning meeting to take up the procedural measure. The panel initially adjourned on Monday evening after an hours-long session to allow for more time for Republicans to reach a deal.

«After waiting around all night for Republicans to make a deal — with themselves — on a procedural rule for the week, Democrats showed up to the Rules Committee for an 8 a.m. meeting,» Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., wrote on social media. «Unsurprisingly, when we showed up, we were told there is still no deal.

«Their chaos is only matched by their incompetence,» he added.

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The stalled rule also delays consideration of a budget blueprint to fund immigration enforcement and a sweeping bill authorizing agriculture and nutrition priorities known as the farm bill, which GOP leadership is hoping to pass on the floor this week.

House conservatives, who voted down two previous proposals offered by GOP leadership, have so far withheld their support for reauthorizing Section 702 absent reforms.

Rep. Jim McGovern speaking during House Rules Committee meeting in U.S. Capitol

Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., ripped Republicans on the House panel for punting consideration of a procedural measure teeing up a vote on Section 702 of FISA, among other legislation. (Tom Williams/Getty Images)

JOHNSON FACES GOP REVOLT OVER WARRANTLESS SURVEILLANCE POWERS AHEAD OF KEY VOTE

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The spy tool allows the government to surveil foreigners abroad who use U.S. platforms even when those communications involve Americans. A mix of conservatives and progressives have long advocated for changes to the program to force intelligence officials to obtain a warrant prior to reviewing Americans’ data. 

Several conservative lawmakers on Monday criticized leadership’s proposal as a minor reworking of the original 18-month extension bill that failed on the House floor.

«Really what we’re doing is taking existing law improvements based on two years ago, making some improvements on penalties and on some FISA transparency…but not going further with respect to warrant protections for American citizens on warrantless surveillance,» Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a key member of the House Freedom Caucus (HFC), said during debate on the measure in the House Rules Committee.

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HFC members have sought to add a warrant requirement and language banning a central bank digital currency (CBDC) to the bill — policies they say are critical to winning their votes.

«Even as we are working to right the wrongs and abuses of FISA, it is important we permanently ban what would be the ultimate surveillance tool against our fellow citizens, a central bank digital currency,» Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital in a statement. 

The Trump administration has pushed for a clean reauthorization of the program, citing the law’s critical national security role. Proponents of the spy law have hailed its ability to gather intelligence that has stopped potential terrorist attacks and drug trafficking.

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Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, a notable GOP privacy hawk, offered his support for the three-year FISA extension during a post on social media last week.

«Collectively, this set of reforms provides robust privacy protections for American citizens. Congress should bank this win and reauthorize Section 702,» Davidson said. «Then, we should swiftly begin gutting the unmitigated surveillance state left growing unchecked during these 702 fights.»

Rep. Chip Roy speaking at a news conference on Capitol Hill

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, a member of the House Rules Committee, is pushing for amendments to the three-year FISA renewal bill drafted by House leadership. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

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House Democratic leadership previewed their objections to Republicans’ FISA reauthorization plan on Monday. Widespread Democratic opposition means Johnson could afford to spare just a handful of GOP defections during a critical procedural vote that could occur as early as Tuesday afternoon.

«This surveillance mechanism could be abused by the likes of individuals like Kash Patel and the acting attorney general,» House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said during a news conference Monday. «These people have weaponized the criminal justice system, and they simply cannot be trusted to protect the privacy and the civil liberties of the American people.»

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Emotion and feelings: How Democratic Socialists’ congressional insurgency could come back to bite them

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Democratic Socialists of America are on the charge, running hot off their wins in the New York Democratic primaries last week. Their victories in multiple Congressional seats – felling both Reps. Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., and Dan Goldman, D-N.Y. – signals that the party is ready to move on from the same old, same old.

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Espaillat chaired the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Goldman was a key House staffer during the first impeachment of President Donald Trump.

«Even Dan Goldman’s not good enough for them,» said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, on Fox. «That is how radical it’s become.»

Some moderate Democrats are trying to distance themselves from the left.

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MAMDANI-BACKED SOCIALISTS LOOK TO TAKE NEW YORK PLAYBOOK NATIONWIDE AFTER PRIMARY VICTORIES

The left flank of the Democratic Party has surged to the top of the nation’s most hotly-contested primaries. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

«That’s not the same brand of politics that we have. We’re not those type of Democrats,» said Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., who represents a battleground district.

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«There’s a new group of Democratic Socialists who are socialists who are not commonsense Democrats. Who are not interested in getting things done. They’re interested in throwing bombs. Not actually solving problems,» said Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J.

LURCHING LEFT: MAMDANI-BACKED CANDIDATES OUST ESTABLISHMENT DEMOCRATS

Some Democrats are worried how far left candidates command more attention than those in the middle. Rep. Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Mich., worries that the outsized attention garnered by the left sends the wrong impression to voters.

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«What they don’t want is divisiveness. They don’t want screaming and yelling,» said McDonald Rivet.

Mainstream Democrats feel trapped in the middle as the left – specifically the New York City left – wields an outsized media and political megaphone.

«Those candidates would not have won in Virginia where I live,» said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Va.

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Rep. Tom Suozzi at a press conference

Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., is among the moderate Democrats trying to distance themselves from the party’s insurgent wing. (Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Republicans believe they are primed to nationalize the midterms. Republicans can do that by highlighting the extreme views of Democratic Socialists who captured primary victories in New York City. The GOP wants to portray their opponents as veering left.

«These are board-certified communists, right?» asked Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan. «They want no police. They want no private property.»

President Trump capitalized on the Democratic outcomes in his home city.

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«The Democrat party is in big trouble because this isn’t stopping with New York,» he forecast.

VICTORIES BY MAMDANI-BACKED CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES SPOTLIGHTS GROWING RIFT IN DEMOCRATIC PARTY

This shakeup has progressive leaders demanding transformation at the top.

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«You’re going to see, I think, people voting for new leadership and to change their representation,» said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

The Democratic Party tapped Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., to deliver their official response to President Trump’s 2025 State of the Union speech. Slotkin is a moderate who won in a battleground race in 2024 – even as the President prevailed in the Wolverine State. But during an appearance on SiriusXM, Slotkin insists on a Democratic Party management switch.

«If people can’t understand that the game has fundamentally changed and they can’t adapt, then they need to let others,» said Slotkin. «The old models do not work for people.»

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Hakeem Jeffries

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is perceived by Republicans as vulnerable after his preferred candidates failed in their congressional primaries. (Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images)

Republicans believe House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., is vulnerable after the DSA elected their candidates over his preferred picks in New York City.

«I think Hakeem Jeffries’ friends and neighbors gave him a big middle finger,» said House Oversight Chairman James Comer, R-Ky. «If you lose three elections in your hometown, that’s a pretty big slap in the face.»

He added that Democrats «are going further and further to the left to the point where they are full-blown, card-carrying socialists.»

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And then there is the anti-Israel, anti-Jewish, and in some cases, antisemitic take by some of these candidates. Rep. Greg Landsman, D-Ohio, is a moderate Democrat from a swing district. He’s Jewish and one of the most pro-Israel Democrats in the House.

«There are some on the left who use Israel the way that some on the right use immigrants or trans kids as a way to divide. And I think it’s terrible. It’s also just not what voters want us talking about,» said Landsman.

HOUSE DEMOCRAT LASHES OUT WHEN GRILLED ON WHETHER SOCIALIST VICTORIES WOULD THREATEN DEM UNITY

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Yours truly tangled with Rep. John Larson, D-Conn. – who once chaired the House Democratic Caucus. I pressed him about what the party would do about some candidates «who are too far to the left.»

«What does that mean? That’s your statement. Did the people of New York vote?» queried Larson.

I assured him that they did.

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«Is that democracy?» asked Larson.

«But if some of them are antisemitic,» I countered.

«Is that a democracy?» continued Larson.

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«Will you stand by people if they have antisemitic views?» I followed up.

Larson finally addressed my inquiry. His answer crystallized the schism the Democratic Party now faces.

«I’m against antisemitism, if that’s your question,» Larson declared.

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Rep John Larson in DC

Rep. John Larson, D-Conn., got into a heated exchange with Fox News’ Chad Pergram over the views of some likely members of his party’s next freshman class. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

The fact that Democrats are now facing this debate robs them of valuable time on economic issues.

Landsman argued that voters would prefer candidates to stick to groceries and the price of gas.

Gottheimer echoed Landsman on kitchen table subjects.

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«We should be focused on ways to actually solve problems like that. Not coming in here and using tea party tactics and trying to divide up the country and pray to socialist ideals,» said Gottheimer.

So what is the party to do?

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«They’re our nominees. We’re going to support them. We’re going to welcome them. They’re going to be part of our caucus and we’re going to unite behind Leader Jeffries,» said Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., the top Democrat on the Oversight panel.

But that doesn’t address the fissures. It doesn’t address how voters may perceive the party. And it doesn’t establish if these new Democratic nominees will work on behalf of the party to raise money and advocate for Democrats across the board. Or, will they become professional bomb throwers – ala what the right has endured for a while.

«It’s going to be a lot harder to get things done when you get more and more extreme candidates who are here because they’re interested in political celebrity. They are interested in fighting. They’re interested in making points,» asserted Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D.

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Split of Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Donald Trump

Republicans have had an abysmal week themselves – President Donald Trump and Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., for instance, got into a shouting match over Iran. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images; Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

Republicans suffered through an absolutely abysmal week. House GOP leaders had to yank multiple bills off the floor and send lawmakers home early because of internal disputes. President Trump and Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., got into a shouting match about Iran. And the president even threatened to veto a bipartisan housing bill. President Trump then refused to sign the bill at the Capitol, despite his aides touting the bill and House Republicans tricking out Statuary Hall for a signing ceremony.

The President characterized the housing bill as «a yawn.»

But the Democrats’ internal fractures may have superseded any internecine fighting among Republicans.

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«While it’s not been a great week for Republicans, I think it’s been a much worse week for Democrats because of these primary elections,» observed Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.

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Democrats will certainly run on economic issues and capitalize on statements by the President about basic issues like housing. But will a genuine policy debate outweigh fears about progressives nationwide?

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Emotion and feelings rule in politics. And it could be a problem for Democrats if Republicans appropriate what happened in New York and Xerox it onto battleground districts across the country.

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Gunman kills 6 at youth welfare facility in suspected child custody dispute: reports

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A suspect is in custody after six people were shot and killed Monday at a youth welfare facility in northern Germany, officials said.

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The shooting happened around midday in Stade, a town of about 50,000 people near Hamburg. Authorities said the victims — four women and two men — all worked at the youth center or affiliated organizations. Five were pronounced dead at the scene, while a sixth died later at a hospital, according to The Associated Press, citing authorities.

Several others were wounded in the shooting, which may have been tied to a child custody dispute, the outlet reported.

2 PEOPLE ARE KILLED IN A KNIFE ATTACK IN GERMANY; SCHOLZ SAYS THERE MUST BE CONSEQUENCES

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The shooting happened around midday in Stade, a town of about 50,000 people near Hamburg. (News5/Reuters)

Police said the shooting happened at a facility on Dankersstrasse that houses pregnant women and young mothers with children, according to The Associated Press.

The suspect, a 45-year-old man, had an appointment at the facility earlier in the day before the shooting unfolded around midday. His 3-month-old daughter and the child’s mother were safe, Reuters reported.

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The suspected gunman was arrested. Police said two others were also subject to police measures on suspicion of involvement but did not provide additional details, according to The Associated Press.

CHILDREN AMONG 6 WOUNDED IN MARYLAND MASS SHOOTING AS DETECTIVES WORK TO DETERMINE WHAT OCCURRED

Members of emergency services working at the scene of a shooting in Stade, Germany

Authorities said the victims — four women and two men — all worked at the youth center or affiliated organizations.  (News5/Reuters)

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he was «deeply shocked» by the violence at a place meant to protect women and children.

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«The horrific act of violence in Stade claimed the lives of six people today. I am deeply shaken by the extent of the violence in a place that is meant to provide protection,» Steinmeier said. 

«My condolences go to the families of the dead and injured, who must endure so much pain. My thanks go to all first responders and doctors.»

SUSPECT ‘NEUTRALIZED’ AFTER MONTREAL SHOOTING LEAVES AT LEAST 2 DEAD INCLUDING OFFICER

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A member of emergency services working at a shooting scene in Stade, Germany.

Police warned people to avoid the area after the shooting but later said there was no danger to the public. (News5/Reuters)

Police warned people to avoid the area after the shooting but later said there was no danger to the public. Investigators were still collecting evidence Monday evening, Reuters reported.

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Mass shootings in Germany are rare.

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Earlier this year, a car plowed into a pedestrian zone in Leipzig, Germany, killing two people and leaving several others seriously injured.

Stade Police could not immediately be reached by Fox News Digital for comment.

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El tenso cruce entre Diosdado Cabello y un rescatista de EE.UU. durante la búsqueda de sobrevivientes en Venezuela

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Un video difundido en las últimas horas muestra un tenso intercambio entre el ministro del Interior venezolano, Diosdado Cabello, y un integrante de un equipo estadounidense de búsqueda y rescate que trabajaba entre los escombros en La Guaira, una de las zonas más afectadas por los terremotos que sacudieron el norte de Venezuela.

En la grabación, viralizada a través de las redes sociales, se escucha al rescatista repetir con firmeza “Back up, back up” (“Retroceda, retroceda”) mientras intenta despejar el área donde, según afirma, todavía podría haber una persona con vida bajo los restos de una estructura colapsada.

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“Hay alguien justo aquí que está gritando auxilio”, le dice el integrante del equipo estadounidense a Cabello mientras señala un punto específico entre los escombros donde se desarrollaba el operativo.

El funcionario venezolano permanece en el perímetro de la zona de trabajo y responde: “Retrocede. De vuelta al camión. De vuelta al camión”. Durante varios segundos ninguno de los dos cede, en una escena que quedó registrada desde distintos ángulos.

Leé también: Últimas noticias de los sismos en Venezuela, minuto a minuto

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En un segundo video, difundido posteriormente, vuelve a escucharse al rescatista insistir con la orden de retroceder. Antes de finalizar la discusión expresa su malestar: “No estoy feliz con esta situación”. En otra parte del registro también pregunta: “¿No quieres que vaya y ayude a la persona que está allí?”.

Los videos se viralizaron rápidamente en X, Instagram y otras plataformas, donde numerosos usuarios interpretaron el episodio como una interferencia en las tareas de rescate y cuestionaron la actuación del ministro venezolano.

Sin embargo, también circuló una versión diferente de lo ocurrido: el periodista oficialista Darvinson Rojas publicó un video en el que sostuvo que Cabello no estaba impidiendo el operativo de búsqueda.

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El último balance oficial elevó a al menos 1450 la cifra de muertos y a 3150 la de heridos. (Foto EFE)

Según explicó, el ministro solicitó que una camioneta utilizada por el equipo estadounidense permaneciera apagada para evitar que el ruido del motor dificultara la detección de posibles sobrevivientes atrapados bajo los escombros. De acuerdo con esa versión, incluso se ofreció a empujar el vehículo para desplazarlo sin necesidad de encenderlo.

Estados Unidos participa del operativo internacional desplegado tras la catástrofe mediante el Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), el equipo especializado de respuesta ante desastres de la Agencia de Estados Unidos para el Desarrollo Internacional (USAID).

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Washington difundió imágenes oficiales de la llegada a Venezuela de un avión militar C-17 Globemaster III que transportó personal especializado, perros entrenados para búsqueda y rescate, maquinaria y equipamiento destinado a colaborar con las tareas en las zonas devastadas.

Leé también: De los edificios destruidos al drama de quienes buscan a sus familiares: así quedó la zona más golpeada por los terremotos

La llegada del contingente estuvo acompañada por el anuncio de nueva ayuda estadounidense para la emergencia, que se suma a un paquete inicial de 150 millones de dólares destinado a las tareas de socorro.

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Mientras continúan las operaciones de rescate, el último balance oficial elevó a al menos 1450 la cifra de muertos y a 3150 la de heridos. Además, las autoridades reportaron 12.721 familias damnificadas.

Leé también: Buscan a un nene argentino que quedó atrapado entre los escombros de un edificio tras los terremotos en Venezuela

La Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (OIM) estimó que hasta 6,76 millones de personas pudieron verse afectadas por los terremotos de magnitud 7,2 y 7,5. También se registraron más de 430 réplicas, daños totales en 189 edificios y parciales en otros 585, además de afectaciones en 38 hospitales y 44 centros comerciales.

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El Programa de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo (PNUD) calculó pérdidas preliminares por unos 6700 millones de dólares. En el operativo participan 2624 rescatistas internacionales, 137 perros especializados y 7876 voluntarios locales, mientras distintos países continúan enviando ayuda humanitaria.

Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela, Terremoto

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