Hard-line House Republicans tanked a procedural rule vote that would begin debate on reauthorizing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, effectively leaving the House at a standstill just nine days before the key surveillance law expires.
Republican leaders hoped to advance the FISA reform on Wednesday, but the measure failed after 19 Republicans joined all Democrats in tanking the rule. The vote, which failed 193–228, is the latest blow to Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R‑LA) leadership, which is already on the rocks as he faces several legislative challenges and a threat to remove him from his top position.
Advancing a rule is a procedural move that is typically voted on along party lines and rarely fails on the House floor. However, House Republicans have weaponized the procedure several times over the last year, voting to stall action on the floor whenever they disagree with GOP leadership.
Former President Donald Trump came ou …