Representative Jim Himes criticized President Donald Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, saying Pulte lacks national security experience. The appointment comes just before a key surveillance law, Section 702, is set to expire, raising concerns about intelligence operations and bipartisan support for renewing the law.
Key Facts
Bill Pulte, previously director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, was appointed acting director of national intelligence by President Trump.
Pulte's appointment has received criticism from Democrats and some Republicans for lacking national security experience.
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which allows certain warrantless surveillance, expires on Friday.
This law is considered important for preventing terrorist attacks and stopping foreign spying, drug trafficking, and cyber attacks.
Congress has extended Section 702 twice before but has not yet agreed on a long-term renewal.
The House passed a three-year extension earlier, but it stalled in the Senate due to unrelated issues.
Some Senators have asked the government to prepare for losing valuable intelligence if Section 702 expires without renewal.
Representative Himes suggested President Trump should remove Pulte and appoint someone with more experience to restore trust.
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President Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility that some people involved in the January 6 Capitol attack, including those convicted of assaulting police officers, could receive payments from a Justice Department fund. The Senate narrowly voted against shutting down this fund, which was created as part of a settlement related to a lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS.
Key Facts
The fund has about $1.8 billion and could compensate January 6 defendants.
About 140 police officers were injured during the January 6 Capitol attack.
Over 1,500 people were charged in connection with the January 6 attack.
Some Republicans, including former Vice President Mike Pence and Senator Mitch McConnell, oppose using taxpayer money to pay January 6 defendants.
Democrats also strongly oppose the fund, calling it offensive and a reward for assaulting police.
The fund was created after a settlement between the DOJ and President Trump over his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
The Justice Department says the fund is to help people who claim they were unfairly targeted by the government.
The Senate vote to permanently ban the fund failed by one vote, showing division among Republicans.
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Representative Jim Himes, a Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, criticized President Donald Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence, saying Pulte lacks national security experience. Himes also explained that Congress has limited power to stop this temporary appointment, which comes at a sensitive time for renewing key intelligence surveillance authority.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as Acting Director of National Intelligence.
The appointment is temporary but can last over 200 days without needing Senate approval.
Bill Pulte was confirmed by the Senate for the housing position but has no known national security background.
Some Republicans and Democrats have expressed concern or outrage over this appointment.
This appointment took place shortly before the expiration of the FISA 702 surveillance authority, a key intelligence collection tool.
FISA 702 allows the government to collect foreign intelligence, and its renewal has been controversial.
Republican senators warned the White House about a likely lapse in surveillance if the authorization is not extended.
Congress has limited ability to block Pulte’s acting role in intelligence.
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Representative Jim Himes, a leading Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, criticized President Donald Trump’s choice of Bill Pulte as the acting Director of National Intelligence. Himes called this decision one of the worst and most dangerous appointments made by President Trump.
Key Facts
Rep. Jim Himes is the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee.
President Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence.
Himes described this appointment as "worst" and "most dangerous."
The statement was made during an interview on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan."
The intelligence chief role oversees U.S. national security and intelligence agencies.
President Trump has made several controversial appointments according to Himes.
This appointment has raised concerns among some members of Congress.
Bill Pulte is stepping into a key position that deals with national intelligence.
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Republican-led states have redrawn congressional districts to make it harder for Democrats to win the House in the 2026 midterms. As a result, Democrats need to perform about 5 points better nationally than in 2024 to gain the majority.
Key Facts
GOP-controlled states changed district lines to give Republicans a 2-point advantage compared to previous maps.
Democrats now need to win 218 seats to hold a House majority and must outperform their 2024 results by 4.9 points nationwide.
Before redistricting, Democrats needed about a 3.1-point lead to win the House, so the new maps increased the challenge.
President Donald Trump led efforts for early Texas redistricting, aiming to protect Republican control.
The Supreme Court ruling in Louisiana v. Callais made it easier for states to redraw maps for partisan advantage.
Democrats lost ground in several states, and some incumbents face tougher districts or must retire.
Democrats currently have about a 6-point lead on the generic congressional ballot but still must overcome the district changes.
Alabama won a Supreme Court decision allowing it to use a contested map accused of diluting Black voters' power.
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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins supports moving the Forest Service headquarters out of Washington, D.C., saying it will help manage forests better. Critics argue this plan will harm research and damage the Forest Service’s ability to protect national forests.
Key Facts
The Agriculture Secretary wants to relocate the Forest Service headquarters closer to national forests.
The move aims to improve how the forests are managed.
There is a significant cut planned in the Forest Service’s research resources.
Critics say this reorganization will weaken forest protection efforts.
The plan removes many staff from Washington, D.C., changing how the agency is run.
Some believe placing headquarters near forests could impact staff communication and coordination.
The debate involves balancing local management with national oversight responsibilities.
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Nearly twelve states plan to add new rules about what people can buy with SNAP benefits soon. These changes will limit the types of food and items that SNAP recipients are allowed to purchase.
Key Facts
Almost 12 states will introduce more limits on SNAP food purchases.
These new rules will come into effect in the next few months.
SNAP is a government program that helps low-income people buy food.
Restrictions may block buying certain foods that states consider unhealthy or non-essential.
States decide which restrictions to apply based on their own guidelines.
The goal is to control how SNAP money is spent.
These changes affect families relying on food assistance.
People using SNAP should check their state’s new rules before shopping.
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Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, spoke about the possibility that Democrat Graham Platner might win the Senate seat from Maine currently held by Senator Susan Collins, a Republican. Fitzpatrick said that Congress needs to raise its standards for behavior and actions if such changes occur.
Key Facts
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick is a Republican from Pennsylvania.
Graham Platner is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
Senator Susan Collins is the Republican incumbent for that Maine Senate seat.
Fitzpatrick warned about possible actions Congress may take if Platner wins.
Fitzpatrick emphasized the need to raise the conduct standards in Congress.
Fitzpatrick discussed this topic with Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat from New York.
The conversation took place during CNN’s program "State of the Union."
The discussion centered around the Maine Senate race and Congress's future conduct.
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President Donald Trump said he did not promise to stop all ongoing wars during his campaign. He clarified that he does not support "endless" wars and stated the current conflict he is addressing is not one of them. He made these remarks while discussing efforts to end fighting with Iran.
Key Facts
President Trump denied promising to avoid "endless wars" in his campaign.
He expressed dislike for ongoing, long-lasting wars.
He said the current conflict he is working to resolve is not an endless war.
The comments were made during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
The interview aired on a Sunday following the statement made on Friday.
President Trump is seeking to reach a deal to stop hostilities with Iran.
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A federal lawsuit has been filed to stop a UFC fight event planned for the White House South Lawn. This event is scheduled to celebrate President Trump's 80th birthday and the United States' 250th anniversary.
Key Facts
A UFC fight card event is planned for the White House South Lawn.
The event is part of the celebration for President Trump's 80th birthday.
The fight is also tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
A federal lawsuit has been filed to try to stop the event from happening.
The lawsuit aims to prevent the use of the White House grounds for this UFC spectacle.
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The CBS News show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on June 7, 2026, featured Representatives Ro Khanna, Don Bacon, and Jim Himes. The show also included a discussion about artificial intelligence with cybersecurity expert Chris Krebs and Ben Buchanan, who advised on AI during the Biden administration.
Key Facts
The show aired on June 7, 2026.
Guests included Reps. Ro Khanna, Don Bacon, and Jim Himes.
The program had a panel discussion about artificial intelligence (AI).
Chris Krebs, a cybersecurity expert and CBS News contributor, participated.
Ben Buchanan, who served as a special adviser on AI under the Biden administration, also joined the panel.
The discussion focused on AI and cybersecurity topics.
The show is part of CBS News programming.
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Rye Barcott, a Marine veteran and founder of the group With Honor, talked about his new book featuring 10 Americans with military or public service backgrounds. The book focuses on courage as serving something bigger than yourself and aims to inspire young people to get involved in public service.
Key Facts
Rye Barcott is a Marine veteran and founder of With Honor, an organization that helps elect veterans and public servants.
With Honor has helped over 100 veterans get elected in the past 8 years, with 50 currently in Congress.
His new book, "Courage Can Save Us," profiles 10 people (5 Democrats, 5 Republicans) with military or FBI experience.
The book explores different kinds of courage, including quiet moral courage used in politics.
Barcott wants students to learn about courage and find paths to public service.
Young Americans show low trust in the government, with only 17% trusting Washington according to Pew Research.
Veterans are one of the most trusted groups across party lines because of their service.
Proceeds from the book support With Honor’s work to promote veterans in public service.
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Rye Barcott, co-founder and CEO of With Honor, was interviewed by Margaret Brennan on CBS News. He discussed topics from his book *Courage Can Save Us* and his work with veterans.
Key Facts
Rye Barcott is the co-founder and CEO of With Honor.
He is the author of *Courage Can Save Us*.
The interview aired partially on "Face the Nation" on June 7, 2026.
The full interview is available on CBS News and their app.
With Honor is an organization focused on supporting U.S. veterans.
Margaret Brennan conducted the interview.
The discussion included themes about courage and leadership.
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Senator Mark Warner expressed concerns about Bill Pulte’s appointment as acting head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, calling him unqualified. Senate Democrats criticized Pulte for allegedly helping President Donald Trump access mortgage records during his time as FHFA director.
Key Facts
Bill Pulte is the current director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
Pulte was appointed acting head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Senator Mark Warner criticized Pulte’s qualifications for this new role.
Senate Democrats claim Pulte used his FHFA position to assist President Trump.
The assistance involved accessing mortgage records to support President Trump’s interests.
The criticisms were made publicly on a Sunday.
The concerns highlight tensions between Senate Democrats and the Trump administration.
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Senator Mark Warner called allegations against Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner disturbing if true but said voters should decide. Platner denies physical abuse claims and says he has struggled with PTSD and alcohol use.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democrat.
Allegations against Platner include being demeaning and physically rough with some ex-partners.
Platner admits to struggling with PTSD and self-medicating with alcohol.
He denies the physical abuse allegations but admits he has been a "bad boyfriend."
Senator Mark Warner said voters should weigh the allegations and that Platner should try to disprove them if possible.
Warner noted that controversy has not prevented candidates like President Donald Trump from being elected.
Platner hopes to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in November.
Collins is a long-time senator known for winning elections by large margins.
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Twelve people were shot near the Old West End festival in Toledo, Ohio, leading organizers to cancel the festival events on Sunday. Police are still searching for at least two suspects believed to have been shooting at each other, and two victims remain in critical condition.
Key Facts
The shooting happened just after 5:30 pm near the Old West End festival in Toledo, Ohio.
Twelve people were wounded, with victims aged between 14 and 61 years old, mostly in their early 20s.
Police are searching for at least two suspects; no arrests have been made yet.
Festival organizers canceled Sunday’s events after consulting with police and community leaders.
Extra police officers, including off-duty personnel, were assigned to the festival for security.
The Ohio governor and a US senator expressed concern and called the violence senseless.
Toledo fire chief reported challenges in transporting victims to hospitals due to road closures and heavy traffic.
In 2024, the US has experienced over 170 mass shootings, defined as incidents with four or more victims wounded or killed.
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Senior White House AI adviser Sriram Krishnan announced he will leave his role at the end of June. His resignation is one of several high-profile departures from President Donald Trump’s administration during his second term.
Key Facts
Sriram Krishnan will leave his position as White House AI adviser at the end of June.
Krishnan helped develop the American AI Action Plan aimed at reducing regulations and improving infrastructure for artificial intelligence.
He thanked President Trump and other advisers for their leadership in advancing U.S. AI efforts.
Recent resignations also include Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, and National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent.
Tulsi Gabbard resigned due to her husband’s serious illness.
Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons also left their roles recently.
Joe Kent resigned over policy disagreements about U.S. military actions in Iran, which President Trump publicly criticized.
These departures follow ongoing staff changes in various parts of the Trump administration.
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Rep. Michael McCaul said the U.S. should increase pressure on Russia to push President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. He supports tougher sanctions on Russia and voted with some Republicans and Democrats to approve aid for Ukraine and more sanctions against Russia.
Key Facts
Rep. McCaul wants stronger U.S. sanctions on Russia to force negotiations.
Russia’s war with Ukraine has lasted over four and a half years and is intensifying.
Ukraine carried out significant attacks on Russian territory, including St. Petersburg.
McCaul was one of 18 House Republicans who voted against their party leaders to support Ukraine aid.
He said Ukraine is winning and retaking land from Russia.
McCaul is working with Senate colleagues on new legislation for tougher sanctions against Russia and Putin.
He previously chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
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Taylor Parker is on death row in Texas for killing her pregnant friend and cutting the unborn baby from her womb in 2020. She was found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death, with her appeals denied by Texas and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Key Facts
Taylor Parker killed her pregnant friend Reagan Simmons-Hancock and took the unborn baby in 2020.
Parker was arrested shortly after the crime and confessed while at a hospital.
She was convicted of capital murder in October 2022 and sentenced to death in November 2022.
Parker’s defense claimed she had a brain condition called frontal lobe syndrome, affecting behavior and thinking.
Appeals argued the baby may not have been alive when taken, so kidnapping charges were invalid.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and U.S. Supreme Court refused to review Parker’s case.
Parker is one of seven women on death row in Texas.
Parker faked a pregnancy to keep her boyfriend, who did not know she had a hysterectomy and could not have children.
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At least 12 people were shot near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on June 6, 2026. Police said two people likely fired weapons at each other, and the suspects were still being searched for. The festival was canceled the next day, and some victims were in critical condition.
Key Facts
The shooting happened during the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on June 6, 2026.
At least 12 people were injured by gunfire; victims ranged in age from 14 to 61.
Police said two shooters were probably firing at each other.
Two victims were in critical condition.
Hundreds of people were at the festival when the shooting started.
The remaining day of the festival was canceled due to the violence.
Officials asked witnesses to share any photos or videos from the event.
Emergency responders transported all injured people to hospitals within an hour despite road closures.
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