Section 702
Coverage of Section 702 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.
- Latest Trump SAVE America push splits House Republicans
President Trump’s effort to link the SAVE America Act with legislation to revive warrantless spying powers under FISA Section 702 is causing division among House Republicans. Some Republicans argue the strategy is unlikely to succeed, while Trump has stated he will not support renewing Section 702 of FISA.
- 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 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 delays Clayton's nomination for intelligence director to try to push Congress on voter ID bill
President Trump delayed the nomination of Jay Clayton to lead the U.S. intelligence community to pressure Congress on a voter ID bill. The postponement of Clayton's confirmation hearing, directed by Trump, caused uncertainty over the intelligence community's leadership and a surveillance program. Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed regret over the delay but pledged to proceed with the confirmation soon.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Latest: Trump says he’s really close to a deal with Iran ahead of whirlwind weekend
President Donald Trump claims proximity to a deal with Iran to end the war ahead of a busy weekend featuring public events and the G7 summit. The article also highlights rising dissatisfaction among independent voters without college degrees and potential tensions with French President Emmanuel Macron at the G7.
- US surveillance law to expire for first time after lawmakers reject Trump’s controversial pick to lead spy agencies
The US surveillance law Section 702, which allows the NSA and FBI to conduct warrantless surveillance, will expire for the first time on Friday after lawmakers rejected Trump’s controversial pick to lead spy agencies.
- 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, 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.
- House vote puts Section 702 on brink of lapse amid fight over acting spy chief
A House vote has placed Section 702 on the brink of expiration due to a dispute over the acting spy chief. The legislative action highlights tensions surrounding surveillance authority and leadership in intelligence oversight.
- 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.
- FISA spy powers are almost certain to expire after Congress fails to act
Congress failed to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, leading to its expiration. The failure stemmed from a dispute over President Donald Trump's choice of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, with Democrats refusing to support the renewal until his removal. Trump later nominated Jay Clayton as the permanent intelligence director, but it remains unclear if this will resolve the standoff.
- Johnson’s FISA extension fails spectacularly as spy powers poised to expire
House Speaker Mike Johnson's proposed three-week extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act failed in Congress amid partisan conflict over President Donald Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. The House vote required a two-thirds majority but failed to secure even a simple majority, with 199 Democrats and 19 Republicans opposing it.
- Spy law on track to lapse after House rejects extension
The House rejected an extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, leading to its expiration. The 218-198 vote followed Democratic opposition to President Donald Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. The law, which allows warrantless surveillance of foreign targets, will lapse Friday night unless extended by Congress or an executive action.
- House vote to extend FISA spy tool fails and it could lapse as Friday deadline looms
The House failed to temporarily extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), risking its expiration by Friday due to political conflict over President Donald Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Democrats refused to support the extension unless Trump withdraws Pulte’s nomination, citing his lack of relevant experience.
- House to take up last-minute extension of FISA spy power in likely-doomed vote
The House is set to vote on a last-minute extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which is expected to expire on Friday. The vote is considered likely to fail, leaving the surveillance provision without renewal.
- Pulte clash threatens even short-term spy powers extension
President Trump’s acceleration of a controversial pick to lead the intelligence community is intensifying a stalemate over renewing spy powers, complicating efforts to secure even a short-term extension. House and Senate attempts to pass a bill reauthorizing Section 702 of the surveillance law face heightened challenges due to the dispute.
- America's spy powers are in deep trouble
America's intelligence agencies face legal uncertainty as Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act nears expiration. Democrats refuse to extend the law unless President Trump revokes Bill Pulte's nomination as acting director of national intelligence, while Republicans warn of national security risks.
- FISA spy program at risk over Trump’s pick of Pulte for director of national intelligence
President Donald Trump's selection of Bill Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence has sparked a political standoff. Democrats threaten to block the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) unless Pulte is replaced, risking an unprecedented lapse in the surveillance program as its authorization expires. Congressional leaders from both parties are pressuring Trump to nominate a permanent replacement.
- House will vote Thursday on expected-to-fail surveillance patch
The House will vote on a three-week extension of a surveillance program under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, but leaders from both parties expect the measure to fail. The extension requires a two-thirds majority, but opposition from Democrats and GOP holdouts, along with President Donald Trump's choice for acting director of national intelligence, complicates passage. A failure would risk a first-ever lapse in the program as the House recesses.
- House Republicans plow ahead with short-term extension of FISA surveillance powers amid Senate quagmire
House Republicans plan to vote on a short-term extension of FISA surveillance powers to prevent their expiration, amid a Senate stalemate over President Donald Trump's nomination of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Congressional Democrats oppose the extension unless the Pulte nomination is withdrawn, citing concerns over his political ties and potential risks to national security.
- Momentum Builds to Rein In Domestic Spying Law — Whether or Not Bill Pulte Survives as Intel Chief
Centrist Democrats and reform advocates like Sen. Ron Wyden oppose the renewal of Section 702 of FISA amid concerns over domestic surveillance and President Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte to lead spy agencies. Trump accelerated Pulte’s appointment despite bipartisan criticism, highlighting a deepening divide over surveillance reforms and safeguards.
- Trump concession breathes new life into stalled FISA spy powers deal
President Trump's decision to seek a replacement for Bill Pulte as ODNI director may revive stalled efforts to reauthorize FISA spy powers. The appointment of Pulte, criticized for lacking relevant experience, had blocked a Senate compromise on Section 702 reforms. Lawmakers are now considering a short-term extension while Trump interviews potential replacements.
- Trump asks Congress for ‘short-term’ spy law extension
President Donald Trump requested a short-term extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before it expires Friday, but Democrats oppose reauthorization until Bill Pulte vacates the acting director of national intelligence role. Trump has not nominated a permanent replacement for Pulte, complicating bipartisan support, while congressional leaders discussed potential solutions with Trump. Uncertainty remains about passing an extension due to partisan divisions.
- Trump faces tough choice: Save spy powers or stick with Pulte
President Trump faces pressure to withdraw Bill Pulte's appointment to the intelligence community to preserve warrantless spy powers, as Democrats threaten to block the renewal of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act.
- Thune wants DNI nominee soon
Senate Majority Leader John Thune stated that President Donald Trump is considering naming a permanent director of national intelligence, hoping for an announcement soon. Trump's appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director delayed a reauthorization of Section 702, a surveillance law, with Thune suggesting a permanent nominee could secure Democratic support for its extension.