Senate Democrats Tie FISA 702 Renewal to Blocking Bill Pulte as Acting DNI Before Friday Deadline
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 11
Senate Democrats Tie FISA 702 Renewal to Blocking Bill Pulte as Acting DNI Before Friday Deadline
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 11
Summary
Friday’s Section 702 expiry has become leverage for Senate Democrats, who say they will not move a FISA extension unless Donald Trump guarantees Bill Pulte will not serve as acting director of national intelligence.
Jay Clayton’s nomination does not solve the immediate gap: Tulsi Gabbard is leaving this month, Clayton cannot be confirmed before then, and Trump has not said he is withdrawing Pulte as interim DNI.
Chuck Schumer said “Pulte has to go,” while Mark Warner backed Clayton but demanded either Gabbard stay through the transition or the Senate-confirmed principal deputy DNI take over instead.
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries also tied any congressional action on Section 702 to blocking Pulte, arguing Americans should not have to trust privacy and national security to him.