U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell relented on Monday and said he would offer a short-term extension of an anti-terror surveillance law, set to expire this week, as he seeks immunity for telephone companies.

The Kentucky Republican made the announcement as he pushed for passage of a stalled bill to replace the temporary law, which expanded the power of U.S. authorities last August to conduct electronic surveillance of enemy targets without a court order….

After it was clear McConnell did not have the 60 votes needed in the 100-member Senate to clear a procedural hurdle and obtain a vote on passage of the bill, he said could agree to “a very short” extension of the law. “Republicans will not allow this critical program to expire and will offer a short-term extension, if necessary,” he said.

With the law set to expire on Friday, lawmakers may agree on an extension of a week or so as early as on Tuesday, before House Democrats leave for an out-of-town retreat.