In the very early hours of Saturday morning, the Senate blocked the last attempts to extend the NSA's domestic spying program and the Patriot Act in several key votes. The USA Freedom Act, which previously passed the House, was defeated by a vote of 57 to 42. The second vote, which would have extended the program by two months, was defeated 54 to 45 by a small group of senators.
The fight against reauthorization and even temporary extension of the program was led by Senator Rand Paul, who tweeted about his victory on Saturday.
The Senate has refused to reauthorize bulk data collection. I am proud to have stood up for the Bill of Rights. But our fight is not over
— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) May 23, 2015 Many of Paul's fellow public servants complained loudly and publicly about having to work late, including Republican John McCain and Democrat Claire McCaskill. Both criticized Paul as "grandstanding" and using the fight to raise money for his Presidential campaign. Despite those objections, Paul's maneuvers, including a filibuster, have paid off, and the extension will not go through. For now, anyway.
The Senate will return one week from Sunday. With your help we can end illegal NSA spying once and for all.
— Dr. Rand Paul (@RandPaul) May 23, 2015 At least until then, there will be no extension of the NSA program past the May 31 deadline. Senator Mitch McConnell announced that the Senate will take the week off for Memorial Day, and then meet again just hours before the program's time runs out. Many observers expressed doubt that opinions will change in that time.