Tom Cotton

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.

Tom Cotton, a Senate Republican and Intelligence Committee chair, faces challenges as President Donald Trump pushes an Iran deal similar to the one Cotton previously opposed. Cotton's past criticism of President Barack Obama's Iran agreement contrasts with his current cautious stance under Trump, while Trump's actions also disrupt Cotton's efforts to extend a surveillance program.

President Trump canceled the Senate confirmation hearing for his Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton, linking it to the approval of Jamie McDonald as U.S. Attorney. Senate lawmakers were uncertain about the President's authority to cancel the hearing, with some confirming it would proceed despite his statement.

President Trump canceled a Senate hearing for his Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton, stating it would not proceed until Jamie McDonald's U.S. Attorney nomination is confirmed. Lawmakers and aides were uncertain about the hearing's status, with some questioning Trump's authority to cancel it. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton later confirmed the hearing would proceed.

President Trump canceled a Senate hearing for his Director of National Intelligence nominee Jay Clayton via Truth Social, linking its resumption to the confirmation of Jamie McDonald as U.S. Attorney. Senate lawmakers and aides were uncertain about the hearing's status, with some questioning Trump's authority to cancel it, while Committee Chairman Tom Cotton eventually confirmed the hearing would proceed despite Trump's statement.

President Trump canceled the Senate hearing for his DNI nominee Jay Clayton until U.S. Attorney nominee Jamie McDonald is confirmed. Senate lawmakers and aides were uncertain about Trump's authority to cancel the hearing, with some stating it was unclear if the hearing would proceed. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton later confirmed the hearing would go ahead despite Trump's statement.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Senate delayed a confirmation hearing for director of national intelligence nominee Jay Clayton after Republican Sen. Tom Cotton stated President Trump directed Clayton not to appear. CBS News congressional reporter Taurean Small reported on the development.

President Trump's actions, including late-night changes to Senate plans and demands on intelligence and judicial appointments, have created chaos for Senate Majority Leader John Thune, complicating bipartisan efforts on surveillance and housing legislation. Tensions escalate as Trump's demands strain Republican unity and delay critical votes.

President Trump delayed the nomination of Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence, disrupting Senate efforts to renew a surveillance program and causing tension with Republicans. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton criticized the delay but later postponed the hearing. Trump's move increases the likelihood of Bill Pulte, a controversial temporary appointee, assuming the role.

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.

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.

The Senate Intelligence Committee will hold a confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton as Director of National Intelligence despite President Trump's demand to delay the process. Trump linked the approval of Clayton and another nominee, Jamie McDonald, to the passage of a voting bill and the renewal of a surveillance tool. Senator Tom Cotton stated the hearing will proceed unless Trump withdraws the nomination or orders Clayton not to appear.

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.

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.

President Donald Trump faces Republican skepticism regarding his new Iran agreement, as many GOP lawmakers remain cautious due to past opposition to the 2015 nuclear pact. Republicans have withheld judgment, citing insufficient details, while expressing cautious optimism about a potential ceasefire in the Middle East.

Senate Democrats blocked a Republican effort to extend FISA Section 702 spy powers by unanimous consent. Sen. Tom Cotton sought a short-term extension until July 2, but Sen. Ron Wyden objected to the proposal.

President Trump's decision to seek a replacement for Bill Pulte as ODNI director may revive stalled efforts to reauthorize FISA spy powers, which are set to expire Friday. The appointment of Pulte had caused delays in Congress, but Trump's concession could help lawmakers reach a compromise on Section 702 reforms.

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.

Sen. Tom Cotton urged the Justice Department to investigate a Chinese-linked campaign targeting U.S. AI infrastructure. A report alleges Chinese state media and foreign-funded groups, including those tied to Neville Roy Singham, have opposed data centers and AI projects in the U.S.

Sen. Tom Cotton urged the Justice Department to investigate a covert campaign linked to China aimed at undermining U.S. artificial intelligence infrastructure. The request follows a report alleging Chinese state media and foreign-funded groups, including those tied to tech tycoon Neville Roy Singham, have opposed data center construction and AI projects in the U.S.

Republican senators warn that Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a surveillance program set to expire on June 12, may lapse due to bipartisan opposition to President Trump’s selection of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Efforts to extend the program stalled after Pulte’s nomination faced criticism for lacking national security experience, with senators from both parties blocking a long-term extension.

Republican senators warn that a surveillance program under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act may lapse after bipartisan opposition to President Donald Trump’s selection of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Efforts to extend the program collapsed as lawmakers blocked a long-term renewal, citing concerns over Pulte’s lack of national security experience.

The Senate faces a critical deadline to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before it expires Friday. Democrats oppose extending the spy power unless President Donald Trump revokes Bill Pulte's appointment as director of national intelligence, complicating last-minute negotiations. Senate Republicans, including Chuck Grassley and Tom Cotton, warn of a potential lapse in surveillance capabilities amid partisan gridlock.

President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte, the Federal Housing Finance Agency Director, as acting director of National Intelligence. Pulte, known for his background in housing finance and social media philanthropy, was praised by Trump for managing 'the most sensitive matters in America.' Trump directed Pulte to reduce the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, drawing both support from allies and criticism over Pulte's qualifications.

President Donald Trump selected Bill Pulte, a housing finance regulator and former social media philanthropist, as acting director of National Intelligence. Critics question Pulte's qualifications, while Trump allies support the move, aiming to reduce the Office of the Director of National Intelligence's size.

Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, warned the Trump administration about the potential expiration of a key U.S. government surveillance program. The expiration could create intelligence gaps, according to Cotton.

President Donald Trump directed acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to reduce the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) before a permanent nominee is confirmed, calling the office 'unnecessary and/or too big.' Trump emphasized removing personnel and streamlining operations, with Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton supporting the effort to downsize or eliminate the agency.

President Donald Trump instructed acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to reduce the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) before a permanent nominee is confirmed, calling the office 'unnecessary and/or too big.' Trump emphasized cutting personnel, including holdovers from previous administrations, and Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton supported the move, advocating for downsizing or eliminating ODNI.

U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for daylight saving time to become permanent, aiming to eliminate twice-yearly clock changes. A House committee approved an amendment to a transportation bill supporting this, but Senate passage remains uncertain due to opposition from some Republicans concerned about agricultural and health impacts.

President Trump is advocating for making daylight saving time permanent, with a provision included in a House transportation bill. The effort faces bipartisan challenges due to concerns about health effects and morning darkness, though some Republicans support it.

Privacy-focused conservatives in the House oppose a Senate proposal linking a three-year CBDC ban to extending warrantless surveillance powers. The proposal, led by Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton and Senate Committee Chair Chuck Grassley, faces pushback from those prioritizing privacy.

President Donald Trump's selection of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence has sparked bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers expressing concerns that Pulte's lack of intelligence experience and history of targeting political adversaries could jeopardize efforts to renew a key surveillance program. Senate Republicans are pushing for a three-year extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act before its June 12 expiration, but Pulte's appointment has complicated bipartisan support for the bill.

Senate Republicans are proposing a three-year extension of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act through June 12, 2029, with new guardrails and penalties for intelligence abuses. The bill includes a three-year ban on the Federal Reserve issuing a digital currency and faces challenges from privacy advocates and concerns over President Donald Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.

Sens. Jim Banks and Tom Cotton are urging intelligence officials to assess China's AI capabilities amid technological advancements. They sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe requesting a focused evaluation.

Republicans have introduced the 'OPT Fair Tax Act' to close a federal loophole that exempts foreign workers from payroll taxes, creating financial incentives for companies to hire them over Americans. The bill was spurred by discovery of over 10,000 'phantom employees' exploiting the Optional Practical Training program, which has grown into an uncontrolled guest worker pipeline costing hundreds of thousands of American jobs annually.

Republicans have introduced the 'OPT Fair Tax Act' to close a federal tax loophole that incentivizes companies to hire foreign workers over Americans. The bill was spurred by ICE's discovery of over 10,000 'phantom employees' involved in fraud within the Optional Practical Training program, which allows international students to work in the U.S. while exempt from certain payroll taxes.