Crow Warns Pulte Puts Americans at Risk as FISA 702 Lapses
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Jun 21
Crow Warns Pulte Puts Americans at Risk as FISA 702 Lapses
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Jun 21
Summary
Jason Crow said Bill Pulte's two-day tenure as acting director of national intelligence leaves Americans "at risk," arguing the Trump appointee lacks the intelligence experience the job requires.
Section 702 expired earlier this month after Democrats refused an extension, tying their opposition to Pulte's appointment and to broader concerns that the surveillance program can capture Americans' communications without a warrant.
Crow said Democrats did not miscalculate, insisting he would not trade constitutional protections for a temporary renewal and questioning whether the administration would follow the law.
Lindsey Graham said Senate Republicans still want Clayton confirmed as DNI and claimed enough votes exist to revive 702, but said Trump pulled back after being told Democrats would not support reauthorization.
The standoff leaves a key foreign-surveillance authority dormant at a time both parties describe as dangerous, while exposing a wider fight over loyalty, competence and civil-liberties limits in U.S. intelligence policy.