Senate Democrats blocked attempts to pass a short-term extension of FISA Section 702, citing concerns over surveillance abuses and President Trump's controversial pick for Director of National Intelligence, Bull Pulte. The spy powers are set to expire.
The failure to renew FISA Section 702 could lead to a gap in U.S. intelligence gathering capabilities, impacting national security and counterterrorism efforts. It also highlights deep divisions in Congress over surveillance powers and presidential appointments.
Senate Democrats on Thursday blocked attempts to pass a short-term extension of the nation's Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) Section 702, raising concerns about surveillance and President Trump's controversial pick for Director of National Intelligence, Bull Pulte. The authority is set to expire on Friday, creating a potential national security gap.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) sought unanimous consent for a three-week extension until July 2, but Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) objected. Wyden also objected to a subsequent one-week extension proposal from Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.). This marks the second time in one day that Congress has failed to secure a renewal.
Democrats have refused to advance a short-term extension, linking their opposition to President Trump's appointment of Bull Pulte to the acting DNI role. Wyden, a proponent of adding a warrant requirement to Section 702 before reviewing information on Americans swept up in foreign surveillance, argued that repeated failures reflect broader dissatisfaction with the program and its abuses.
Cotton criticized Wyden's opposition, stating that Section 702 targets foreigners abroad and that its expiration would remove guardrails for multiple agencies. He later objected to Wyden's proposal for a five-week extension that would require disclosure of classified records about the program's use, calling it unworkable.
Thune criticized Democrats for blocking the extension, suggesting they are opposing a program many have supported to keep the country safe due to their dislike of Trump's temporary appointee.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.