Senate Blocks FISA Surveillance Extension Amid Fight Over Trump Intelligence Pick

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – The Senate on Friday blocked a measure to extend a major U.S. surveillance authority, as Democrats and a handful of Republicans objected to advancing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act’s Section 702 powers amid growing concern over President Donald Trump’s decision to name William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.

The procedural vote failed 47–52, falling short of the support needed to move toward final passage. Section 702 allows U.S. intelligence agencies to collect communications from foreign targets overseas without a warrant, though critics have long warned that the program can sweep up communications involving Americans who are in contact with those foreign targets.

Pulte, who serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and has no intelligence background, has drawn bipartisan scrutiny since Trump tapped him for the temporary intelligence post following Tulsi Gabbard’s announced resignation. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) said Pulte’s appointment was another reason Democrats should oppose what he called the administration’s “FISA Section 702 spying powers.”

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he had worked with Chairman Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on a compromise bill but argued that Pulte’s appointment changed the political equation. Seven Republicans also opposed advancing the measure, including Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who has pressed Congress to require warrants before Americans’ communications can be searched.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said the chamber would “take another run at it” next week, warning that opposition tied to Pulte’s appointment should not derail a surveillance tool supporters consider vital to national security. The provision is set to expire June 12 unless Congress acts.

Trump said Thursday that Pulte would not be nominated permanently for the intelligence post, which requires Senate confirmation. Any renewed agreement must still clear the Senate’s 60-vote threshold before moving to the House, where lawmakers remain divided over related provisions, including language restricting a central bank digital currency.

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