Featured Image: yourNEWS Media Illustration
The Senate voted 47-52 against advancing an extension of a foreign surveillance program after Democrats and some Republicans raised concerns over civil liberties and William Pulte’s appointment as acting national intelligence director.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Senate on Friday blocked a measure to extend a federal surveillance program used by U.S. intelligence agencies, with opposition fueled in part by President Donald Trump’s selection of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
The procedural vote failed 47-52, stopping a motion that would have cleared the way for a final vote on extending a provision of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The provision, known as Section 702, allows agencies such as the CIA to collect communications from foreign targets without a warrant. The program has also drawn scrutiny because it can result in the collection of information involving Americans who communicate with foreign targets.
Most Senate Democrats voted against advancing the measure, joined by seven Republicans. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., was the only Democrat to support the motion. Other Republicans also voted in favor.
Several senators cited Pulte’s appointment as a key reason for their opposition. Pulte, who does not have an intelligence background, has faced criticism from both parties since Trump named him acting national intelligence director.
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who opposed the motion, said Pulte’s appointment strengthened the case against extending the surveillance authority.
“His appointment … is one more reason every single Democrat should vote against rubber stamping the Trump administration’s FISA Section 702 spying powers,” Wyden wrote this week on X.
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Thursday that he and committee Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., had negotiated what he called a compromise on a “strong bill.” But Warner said the administration’s decision to elevate Pulte changed the situation.
Warner called the move the “complete irresponsibility of putting forward” Pulte.
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., was among the Republicans who voted against the measure. Paul has long argued that Congress should require warrants before surveillance involving Americans can occur.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said after the failed vote that the chamber would try again next week. He criticized opposition based on Pulte’s acting role, calling it a “terribly irresponsible position.”
“The naming of Pulte to that position, although the timing arguably wasn’t the best, I still don’t think it ought to derail something that’s this important,” Thune said.
Thune said the intelligence post should not be used as a political weapon and should be led by professionals.
Pulte’s appointment has drawn objections because of his lack of experience in intelligence matters. Trump told reporters in Washington on Thursday that Pulte would not be nominated for the permanent director of national intelligence position, which requires Senate confirmation.
The debate comes after National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard announced her resignation, saying she wanted to spend time with her husband, who was diagnosed with cancer.
Even if the Senate reaches a new agreement, the legislation would still need to clear the chamber’s 60-vote threshold. It would then head to the House, where lawmakers have not resolved disputes over a provision restricting a central bank digital currency. House Republican leaders added that language to secure support for the bill.
The failed vote leaves the surveillance extension unresolved as lawmakers continue to debate both the scope of FISA authority and who should oversee the nation’s intelligence agencies.
Original article
Comments