Efforts to extend warrantless surveillance powers before their expiration next week hit a setback early Friday when six Republican senators joined Democrats in opposing a procedural vote to advance the measure.
The Senate blocked debate on the measure in a 47-52 vote, just days before the program goes dark on June 12.
Approval of the motion would have paved the way for reauthorizing and strengthening federal surveillance authorities under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
Sens. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) broke with most Republicans on the vote.
Scott reiterated his stance that any extension of FISA needs major reforms to protect Americans, noting he has been surveilled by the government himself.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Penn.) was the only Democrat who voted in favor of it.
Democrats have refused to move forward with any action on warrantless spying after President Donald Trump appointed federal housing chief Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Pulte lacks the national security experience to lead the country’s intelligence agencies, according to Democrats.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.C.) said the Trump administration will have to consider whether Pulte's appointment is an obstacle to extending the FISA measure.
He further argued that allowing FISA to expire was not a viable option and said he hopes Senate Democrats will reconsider their stance when the Senate returns next week.
"Next week, it gets real," Thune told reporters. "A few days from now... the program goes dark. I just think that would be a dangerous mistake for the country. Hopefully, responsible folks will come to the table and at least help us figure this out."
Friday’s vote represented a major setback for Republicans, who narrowly control both the Senate and the House.