Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act
Coverage of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in the Nexus archive.
- Senate panel schedules Jay Clayton confirmation hearing for July 15
The Senate Intelligence Committee will hold a July 15 confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton's nomination as director of national intelligence, aiming to replace Bill Pulte and advance the reauthorization of a lapsed spy authority. President Trump delayed the process until James McDonald's nomination for U.S. attorney was approved, and Republicans seek confirmation before an August recess to resolve a stalemate over extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
- WATCH: Dems unite on anti-terror spying authority amid standoff over Trump's DNI pick
Democrat senators agreed to renew the government's anti-terror spying authority under Section 702 of FISA amid a standoff over President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. FISA 702 expired in June 2024 but was extended through March 2027 by a court, while critics argue Pulte lacks intelligence experience. Trump has conditioned FISA renewal on passing the SAVE Act, which imposes voter ID requirements.
- WATCH: Dems unite on anti-terror spying authority amid standoff over Trump's DNI pick
Democratic senators agreed to renew Congress's anti-terror spying powers under Section 702 of FISA amid concerns about national security, despite the provision's expiration in June 2024. The renewal is tied to ongoing disputes over President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, with critics citing his lack of intelligence experience. Trump has also conditioned FISA 702 renewal on passing the SAVE Act, which imposes voter ID requirements.
- This week on the Hill: FISA negotiations at a standstill after Clayton hearing delayed
Legislation to revive warrantless spying powers under FISA remains uncertain after President Trump delayed a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing for Jay Clayton, his nominee for director of national intelligence. The delay has stalled negotiations related to Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
- Trump's SAVE Act obsession ties Senate in knots
President Trump continues to push for the passage of the SAVE America Act despite Senate Republicans indicating it is unlikely to pass. His insistence has led to delays in renewing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and stalled the confirmation of Jay Clayton to the intelligence director role, with Bill Pulte instead set to temporarily lead the agency.
- Senate Democrats Aren’t Happy About Trump’s Spy Law Ultimatum
President Donald Trump disrupted Senate Democrats' negotiations over renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act by demanding an unrelated voter suppression bill be attached. The move caused Senate Democrats to reveal divisions over FISA reforms, with privacy advocates seeking warrant requirements and centrists favoring minimal changes. Trump's ultimatum also scrapped a confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence.
- Trump halts intel nominee confirmation hearing
President Donald Trump delayed the confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton's nomination as director of national intelligence, leading to its postponement. The Senate Intelligence Committee chair Tom Cotton expressed regret, while Democrats criticized the move as undermining national security. Concerns were raised about the impact on the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) and the delay in confirming a replacement for Acting Intel Director Bill Pulte.
- Trump halts intel nominee confirmation hearing
President Donald Trump urged the Senate to delay the confirmation hearing for director of national intelligence nominee Jay Clayton, leading to its postponement. Trump cited concerns about a broken deal with Democrats and Clayton’s role as U.S. attorney, while senators criticized the move for disrupting national security processes and delaying FISA law renewal.
- Trump halts intel nominee confirmation hearing
President Donald Trump directed the postponement of Jay Clayton's confirmation hearing for director of national intelligence, citing concerns about a broken deal with Democrats and Clayton's ongoing role as U.S. attorney. Senate Democrats criticized the move as undermining national security, while Republicans expressed concerns about delays in passing the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
- Trump escalates his war on Senate Republicans — and senators are striking back
President Trump's recent actions, including a disruptive Truth Social post and controversial appointments, are causing friction with Senate Republicans, leading to public frustrations among lawmakers as legislative efforts are derailed.
- Trump delays his own national intelligence nominee, fueling tension with fellow Republicans
President Donald Trump delayed the nomination of Jay Clayton for director of national intelligence hours before a scheduled Senate hearing, despite bipartisan support. The move disrupted efforts to renew the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act and intensified tensions with Senate Republicans, who had planned to proceed with the confirmation. Trump's decision may lead to Bill Pulte, a controversial interim appointee, assuming the role as outgoing director Tulsi Gabbard leaves office.
- Trump delays Clayton's nomination for intelligence director, but committee chairman promises hearing
President Trump delayed the nomination of Jay Clayton to lead the U.S. intelligence community to pressure Congress on a voter ID bill. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton pledged to proceed with a confirmation hearing despite Trump's move, which has stalled the renewal of a key surveillance program under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The dispute involves bipartisan criticism of Trump's prior selection of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
- Trump delays Clayton's nomination for intelligence director, but committee chairman promises hearing
President Trump delayed Jay Clayton’s nomination to lead U.S. intelligence to pressure Congress on a voter ID bill. Senate intelligence committee chairman Tom Cotton pledged to proceed with a confirmation hearing unless Trump withdraws the nomination. The delay complicates the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a surveillance program critical for intelligence gathering.
- Are Jeffies and Schumer Getting Ready to Greenlight Domestic Spy Power for Trump?
The article discusses the potential nomination of Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence and its connection to the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Privacy advocates and some Democrats express concerns about Clayton's background and the lack of warrant requirements for surveillance under the law.
- Thune says Senate will move FISA bill without SAVE America Act, rebuffing Trump
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) stated the Senate will attempt to pass an extension of FISA's surveillance powers without attaching the SAVE America Act, rejecting President Trump’s request to link the bills. Thune emphasized concerns about letting Section 702 of FISA expire.
- Senate to confirm Jay Clayton as soon as Thursday
The Senate may confirm Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence as soon as Thursday, requiring unanimous support to expedite the process. Confirming Clayton could prevent Bill Pulte from becoming acting director and influence the extension of a government surveillance program that expired due to opposition to Pulte.
- A US spying law expires amid distrust of Trump moves on national security
A key U.S. surveillance authority under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expired on June 12 due to Congress missing its reauthorization deadline. Experts suggest existing certifications may allow intelligence agencies to continue data collection until March 2027, but lawmakers and civil liberties groups warn of potential legal challenges and temporary disruptions to intelligence operations.
- This week on The Hill: Senate tees up Clayton DNI nomination as FISA talks stall
The Senate Intelligence Committee is holding a confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton's nomination as Director of National Intelligence, aiming to address stalled discussions on reviving the expired Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which lapsed on June 12.
- Trump says he’ll refuse FISA spy power extension without SAVE America Act tacked on
President Trump stated he will not support extending the expired FISA warrantless spy power unless the SAVE America Act is included. The declaration was made on Sunday regarding the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
- Trump won't back FISA renewal without his SAVE America Act voting bill
President Trump is demanding that Congress attach his voting bill, the SAVE America Act, to legislation renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Section 702, which allows surveillance of foreigners and incidental collection of Americans' communications, lapsed after a failed House vote. Trump also faces criticism over his selection of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, with lawmakers expressing concerns about potential misuse of FISA powers.
- Senate Republican on FISA holdup: ‘Stop playing the politics’
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) criticized fellow lawmakers for failing to pass bills to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). She mentioned ongoing events like the World Cup and America’s 250 celebrations as context for the legislative delay.
- Mullin on FISA lapse: Threat level ‘highest it’s ever been’
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated that the threat level is the highest it's ever been due to the lapse of spy powers under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The powers expired after lawmakers did not extend the warrantless surveillance of individuals.
- Emboldened Senate Democrats block even bipartisan bills in hardball approach to counter Trump
Senate Democrats are blocking the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) as part of a hardball strategy against President Donald Trump, including protests over his appointment of Bill Pulte to lead intelligence agencies. The move risks national security concerns amid the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, with Republicans criticizing the lapse in surveillance authority.
- A US spying law expires amid distrust of Trump moves on national security
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expired on June 12, 2024, after Congress missed its reauthorization deadline. The program, which allows surveillance of foreign communications, will continue under existing court certifications until March 2027, according to experts. The American Civil Liberties Union and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley expressed differing views on the potential consequences of the lapse.
- A US spying law expires amid distrust of Trump moves on national security
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expired on June 12, 2024, after Congress missed its reauthorization deadline, raising uncertainty about continued surveillance capabilities. Experts suggest existing certifications may allow intelligence agencies to maintain operations until March 2027, but lawmakers and civil liberties advocates warn of potential legal challenges and temporary disruptions. Debates over targeting Americans in surveillance and recent political developments, including President Trump's announcement of Bill Pulte as interim director of national intelligence, have complicated negotiations.
- Emboldened Senate Democrats block even bipartisan bills in hardball approach to counter Trump
Senate Democrats are blocking bipartisan bills, including a key surveillance law, as a hardball strategy to counter President Donald Trump's policies and personnel choices. They allowed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to lapse, citing leverage against Trump, while Republicans argue the move threatens national security ahead of major events.
- Emboldened Senate Democrats block even bipartisan bills in hardball approach to counter Trump
Senate Democrats are blocking the renewal of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) as part of a hardball strategy against President Donald Trump's policies and personnel choices, including his appointment of Bill Pulte to lead intelligence agencies. Republicans argue the lapse in surveillance authority poses a national security risk, particularly during high-profile events like the World Cup and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
- Emboldened Senate Democrats block even bipartisan bills in hardball approach to counter Trump
Senate Democrats are blocking bipartisan bills and allowing a key surveillance law to lapse in opposition to President Donald Trump's policies and personnel choices, including the appointment of Bill Pulte to lead intelligence agencies. The strategy has led to government shutdowns and delays in Trump's nominations, with Republicans criticizing the move as a threat to national security.
- FISA 702 lapse plunges US into unknown territory
The expiration of warrantless surveillance powers under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) has created legal uncertainty about the U.S. government's ability to surveil foreigners abroad. Congress failed to pass legislation extending the provision through July 2, with Democrats expressing outrage.
- A US spying law expires amid distrust of Trump moves on national security
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expired on June 12, 2024, after Congress missed its reauthorization deadline. Experts suggest existing certifications may allow continued surveillance until March 2027, but lawmakers and civil liberties advocates debate the legal risks and implications for intelligence collection.
- A Key Spying Power Is Expiring. Will Foreign Surveillance Go Dark?
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a key spying power, is expiring. Speaker Mike Johnson warned that not extending it risks 'a serious calamity on our shores' and could impact foreign surveillance capabilities.
- A key US government surveillance program is set to expire. A look at what that means
A key US government surveillance program, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, is set to expire after congressional efforts to extend it failed. The program allows spy agencies to collect foreign communications without warrants and has been used to disrupt terrorism and cyberattacks, but faces privacy concerns due to incidental collection of Americans' data and past misuse by FBI analysts.
- A key US government surveillance program is set to expire. A look at what that means
A key US government surveillance program, Section 702, is set to expire after congressional efforts to extend it failed. The program, part of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, allows agencies to collect foreign communications without warrants and has been credited with aiding in counterterrorism and cybersecurity efforts, though it faces privacy concerns and political debate over its renewal.
- A powerful US surveillance law is set to expire – what happens now?
Congress has not reauthorized section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act due to ongoing debates about its future. Donald Trump's attempt to appoint a controversial ally as director of national intelligence has drawn attention to the law's scope, with privacy advocates calling for scrutiny and reform.
- A powerful US surveillance law is set to expire – what happens now?
Congress has not reauthorized section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, raising questions about its future. Donald Trump's attempt to appoint a controversial ally as the director of national intelligence has highlighted the law's broad reach, with privacy advocates calling for scrutiny and reform.
- Trump mulls executive order on spy powers: ‘Let’s see what happens’
President Trump suggested an executive order could be used to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) after Congress failed to pass a temporary extension. He stated, 'Congress wants me to do it' when asked by The Hill about the possibility.
- Trump taps US Attorney Jay Clayton for director of national intelligence
President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Jay Clayton, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, as director of national intelligence. The move follows backlash over Trump's previous interim nominee, Bill Pulte, and aims to address concerns about the replacement of Tulsi Gabbard. Clayton's role includes overseeing cases involving Nicolas Maduro and Jeffrey Epstein, and his nomination may seek bipartisan support.
- Hakeem Jeffries Finally Finds a Spine: Dem Leaders Rallied Against Extending Domestic Spy Law
House Democratic leaders, led by Hakeem Jeffries, shifted from allowing free votes on extending Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to opposing a short-term renewal after President Trump nominated Bill Pulte as spy chief. The 218–198 defeat of the measure followed a forceful statement from Democratic leaders, with civil society groups urging continued opposition unless major reforms are included.
- Trump plans to nominate US Attorney Jay Clayton to be national intelligence director
President Donald Trump announced plans to nominate Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, as director of national intelligence. The move follows congressional pressure to replace Tulsi Gabbard, who resigned, and comes amid a standoff over Trump’s previous appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director, which Democrats oppose.
- Trump picks Jay Clayton for Director of National Intelligence
President Trump announced the nomination of Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, as Director of National Intelligence. The move follows criticism of Bill Pulte's interim appointment, with bipartisan reactions and implications for the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act renewal.