Senate Blocks 3-Year FISA Renewal in 52-47 Vote as Pulte Pick Sinks Democratic Support
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 5
Senate Blocks 3-Year FISA Renewal in 52-47 Vote as Pulte Pick Sinks Democratic Support
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 5
Summary
One week before Section 702 expires on June 12, the Senate failed to advance a three-year renewal after a 52-47 procedural vote fell short of the 60 needed.
Democrats who had been expected to supply the decisive votes abandoned the deal over President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte to oversee U.S. intelligence agencies; only John Fetterman backed moving ahead.
Seven Republicans joined them in opposition — Josh Hawley, John Kennedy, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, Eric Schmitt, Rick Scott and Tommy Tuberville — reflecting both surveillance skepticism and unease over Pulte.
Section 702 lets intelligence agencies collect communications of foreign targets overseas, including exchanges with Americans, and its defeat leaves a key counterterrorism and espionage tool facing an uncertain future.