Key Spy Power on Verge of Lapsing After Trump Appoints Bill Pulte as Intelligence Chief

TL;DR

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is set to expire on Friday.
Democrats accuse President Trump of hindering negotiations by appointing Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
Critics cite Pulte's lack of experience in national security and intelligence matters, and his history of issuing criminal referrals against Trump's political adversaries.
House Speaker Mike Johnson met with President Trump to discuss the renewal and Pulte's appointment.
Some Republicans also oppose Pulte's role, with some advocating for Trump to name a permanent nominee.
GOP leaders acknowledge the need for Democratic votes to pass the reauthorization in both chambers.
Democrats have stated they will not support an extension with Pulte remaining in his position.
A compromise in the Senate faced opposition from some Republicans and all Democrats, partly due to unrelated measures attached to the bill.
Allowing the authority to lapse is described as having "dire impacts" on national security.
The article highlights disagreements between House and Senate versions of the reauthorization bill and the impact of Pulte's appointment on potential Democratic support.

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