The committee was specifically discussing section 702 of the act. It lets the National Security Agency collect intelligence and communications from non-U.S. citizens outside the country.

In 2012, Congress renewed the act through the end of 2017. But to keep using the program, lawmakers need to approve it again. And that‘s something the intelligence community really wants.

„If we were to lose the 702 authority, I would fully expect leaders from some of our closest allies would put out one loud scream,“ said Adm. Mike Rogers, director of the National Security Agency.