Senate Democrats block extension of surveillance powers to protest ‘grossly unqualified’ Pulte

Senate Democrats on Friday voted against a motion to begin debating an extension of the enhanced surveillance authorities under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The authorities are due to expire next week. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence committee, told The Hill that Democrats wouldn’t vote to authorize the extension due to Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte to serve as acting director of National Intelligence when Tulsi Gabbard leaves at the end of the month. 
Warner called Pulte “grossly unqualified.” He said that Section 702 is important, but Pulte has been accused of weaponizing confidential information and shouldn’t be leading National Intelligence. 
Six Republicans joined Democrats in the 47-52 failed vote on the motion to proceed, and Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman was the only Democrat to vote for the motion. 

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