Senate approves law expanding warrant-less spying

The Senate has passed a bill renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, broadening the scope of surveillance without a warrant.

Despite opposition from civil liberties advocates and over 20,000 constituents, the bill, now known as the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act, was approved 60-34. 

Critics fear this expansion will lead to the broadest surveillance on U.S. soil since the Patriot Act, which was passed after the 9/11 attacks more than 20 years ago.

President Joe Biden signed the bill into law.

The amendment redefines electronic communications service providers, potentially allowing security agencies to collect data from various businesses.

Privacy advocates condemned the rushed vote, emphasizing the erosion of civil liberties.

All five amendments that would have added greater privacy protections were voted down.