Senate blocks surveillance bill in dispute over Trump’s intelligence pick
Summary
The U.S. Senate blocked a bill to extend a government surveillance program because some senators were unhappy with President Trump’s choice of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Pulte, who lacks intelligence experience and is a major Trump supporter, was appointed recently, causing concern among both Democrats and some Republicans.Key Facts
- Seven Republican senators joined Democrats to block the extension of a surveillance program called Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
- The program lets U.S. intelligence agencies collect communications from foreign targets without a warrant.
- President Trump appointed Bill Pulte, a major Republican donor with no intelligence background, as acting director of national intelligence.
- Pulte was chosen shortly after Tulsi Gabbard left the intelligence role.
- Some senators worry Pulte lacks experience and could politicize the intelligence office.
- Senate Majority Leader John Thune said they will try again to pass the bill next week but was not very hopeful.
- The surveillance program is set to expire soon, and failure to extend it raises security concerns.
- Democrats and some Republicans see Pulte’s appointment as a sign he will follow all of President Trump’s demands, causing bipartisan unease.
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