Key spy power on verge of lapsing after Trump appoints controversial intel chief
Summary
President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte, a housing regulator without national security experience, as acting director of national intelligence. This appointment complicated efforts in Congress to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a key surveillance law set to expire soon.Key Facts
- Section 702 allows the U.S. government to collect communications of noncitizens abroad without a warrant.
- The law is set to expire on Friday unless Congress renews it.
- President Trump named Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence; Pulte also leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
- Democrats and some Republicans oppose Pulte’s appointment because of his lack of intelligence experience.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson is meeting with President Trump to discuss the renewal and Pulte’s role.
- Senate leaders hope the White House will soon nominate a permanent intelligence chief who would require Senate confirmation.
- Senate Democrats have voted against moving forward with the renewal, joined by seven Republicans.
- Republican senators accuse Democrats of abandoning a near-agreement to extend Section 702 for three years.
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