Congress has approved a short-term renewal of a controversial surveillance program used by U.S. spy agencies just days before it was set to expire. A bill extending the program until April 30 cleared the Senate by voice vote Friday as Congress raced to send it to President Donald Trump for his signature. Lawmakers turned to a short-term extension of the program after an attempt to pass a five-year renewal failed in a late-night House vote. The short-term fix sets the stage for another showdown in a matter of weeks. The program permits key national security agencies to collect and analyze vast amounts of overseas communications without a warrant.

There's been a holdup on Capitol Hill in advancing the renewal of a program that lets U.S. spy agencies pore over foreigners' calls, texts and emails. House Republican leaders hoped to advance the legislation on Wednesday, but an initial procedural step has been delayed. Rank-and-file members have pushed back despite a pressure campaign that included a trip to the White House and direct involvement from CIA Director John Ratcliffe. A key part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act allows American spy agencies to collect and analyze overseas communications without a warrant. The program expires Monday. Critics want changes to safeguard Americans' communications.