Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced the Senate will attempt to pass an extension of FISA surveillance powers as a standalone measure, rebuffing President Trump's demand to include the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act.
The Senate's decision to separate the FISA extension from the SAVE America Act highlights a significant political divide and potential conflict between Senate Republican leadership and President Trump, impacting national security surveillance capabilities and election integrity debates.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that the Senate will proceed with an extension of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act's (FISA) enhanced surveillance powers as a standalone measure, directly contradicting President Trump's demand to link it with the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act.
Section 702 of FISA, which permits the U.S. to conduct surveillance on foreign nationals located outside the United States without a warrant, expired over the weekend. Thune emphasized the national security risks associated with letting these powers lapse and stated his intention to move the extension once sufficient votes are secured.
Thune described attaching the SAVE America Act, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration and photo identification for voting, to the FISA bill as "unrealistic." He also expressed optimism that the confirmation of Jay Clayton as the director of national intelligence could help garner Democratic support for reauthorizing Section 702.
Democrats had previously blocked the intelligence bill, citing objections to President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. President Trump had publicly opposed the FISA extension unless the SAVE America Act was included, though some Senate Republicans anticipate he would sign the intelligence bill if presented independently. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has labeled the SAVE America Act as "Jim Crow 2.0."
Thune indicated he had discussed FISA extension with President Trump but did not recall discussing the SAVE America Act. He conveyed hope that Trump would sign the FISA legislation if it successfully passes the Senate, emphasizing its importance.