"Surveillance Program Extension Blocked as Republican Senators Defy Trump Over Intelligence Nomination In a surprise move, seven Republican senators joined forces with Democrats to block the extension of a controversial government surveillance program, FISA, on Friday. The sudden rebuke to President Donald Trump's administration comes in response to his appointment of Bill Pulte, a wealthy Republican donor and heir to a home construction fortune, as the acting director of national intelligence. Critics have raised concerns over Pulte's lack of experience in the field, sparking bipartisan unease and ultimately leading to the unprecedented bipartisan vote. The FISA program, which allows the government to conduct warrantless surveillance on foreign targets, had been set to expire, but its renewal is now in question as a result of this unexpected development."
Seven Republican senators joined Democrats to block Fisa extension amid disquiet over nomination of Bill PulteUS politics live – latest updatesSeven Republican senators joined Democrats early on Friday to block the extension of a powerful government surveillance program, a rebuke to Donald Trump for choosing an inexperienced ally as the country’s top intelligence official.The renewal had been in question amid bipartisan concern over the US president’s appointment of Bill Pulte, a major Republican donor and heir to a home construction fortune, to serve as acting director of national intelligence. Continue reading...
