FISA spy program at risk over Trump’s pick of Pulte for director of national intelligence
Summary
President Donald Trump has kept Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence despite bipartisan concerns about his lack of experience. This has raised the risk of a lapse in Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), a law that allows the U.S. to collect intelligence abroad, as Congress debates whether to extend the program.Key Facts
- Bill Pulte, currently a federal housing finance regulator, is President Trump’s temporary pick for director of national intelligence.
- Many Republicans and Democrats want Trump to nominate a permanent director with more experience.
- Democrats have threatened not to support renewing Section 702 of FISA unless Pulte is withdrawn.
- The FISA surveillance authority is set to expire at midnight Friday unless Congress acts.
- The House planned to vote on a short-term extension to avoid a gap in surveillance powers, but passage looked unlikely.
- The Senate might try to pass a similar short-term extension.
- President Trump says he wants Pulte to begin downsizing the intelligence office during his short term.
- The debate has caused tension between the White House and congressional leaders in both parties.
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