A bipartisan push to reauthorize a major surveillance statute has stalled in the Senate, with Democrats withdrawing their expected support after President Trump announced Bill Pulte as the next head of the intelligence community.
The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act renewal had been on track for passage, relying on Democratic votes to clear the chamber. But that coalition collapsed once Trump named Pulte to lead the intelligence apparatus, according to multiple accounts of the negotiations.
Democrats had publicly signaled they would back the measure, which addresses a cornerstone of national security operations. The sudden reversal suggests deep concern within the party over Pulte's appointment and his fitness for the role.
The move reflects broader tensions over Trump's Cabinet selections and his approach to the intelligence community, an agency that has frequently clashed with the president during his first term. The surveillance law reauthorization represents one of the first major tests of his ability to secure bipartisan legislative victories in his second administration.
FISA authorities expire unless Congress acts, putting pressure on both parties to find common ground. Republicans control the Senate, but typically cannot advance surveillance legislation without Democratic support, as some GOP members also harbor concerns about domestic surveillance powers.
The deadlock leaves unclear whether lawmakers will scramble to broker a compromise on both FISA and Pulte's confirmation, or whether one measure will advance separately from the other. Negotiations continue, though the early breakdown suggests the path forward remains contentious.
Author Sarah Mitchell: "Democrats weaponizing intelligence leadership confirms this White House can't get anything done on the Hill without a fight."
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