FISA Surveillance Extension Passed

Congress has narrowly avoided the expiration of the government's foreign surveillance authority by passing a brief extension until April 30.

A bloc of privacy-minded Republicans initially defeated plans for a multi-year renewal, forcing leadership to scramble for a stopgap measure.

The program, which allows for the collection of communications from non-citizens abroad, has faced intense scrutiny over its potential impact on American citizens' privacy.

The 10-day window sets up another high-stakes showdown between the White House and civil liberties advocates in both parties.