Thune warns Democrats against tanking FISA deal over Pulte: ‘Really risky’
Senate Majority Leader John Thune cautioned Democrats against jeopardizing a deal to extend federal surveillance powers due to President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief. Thune emphasized the importance of maintaining the program for national security, despite concerns over Pulte's qualifications. The FISA extension faces challenges in Congress, with differing opinions on the proposed terms and the impact of Pulte's appointment complicating negotiations.
- ▪Thune warned that Democrats risk compromising national security by opposing the FISA deal.
- ▪Pulte's appointment has drawn criticism for lacking national security experience.
- ▪Negotiations for the FISA extension are complicated by differing views among lawmakers.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) urged Democrats not to upend a deal to extend the federal government’s spy powers over President Donald Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief. “Honestly, I mean, do you want to be responsible for what could happen if we go dark on that program?” Thune told reporters on Wednesday, one day after Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned him privately that the appointment could jeopardize the emerging compromise, a three-year extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Washington Examiner.
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