The backlash over President Trump’s naming of Bill Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as acting director of national intelligence scalded over on Capitol Hill as Democrats made two attempts to block the appointment.
The Hill reports a Democratic amendment that would have banned any Senate-confirmed head of another federal agency or department from serving as the acting director of national intelligence failed in a 49-49 vote. The amendment, which was designed to be attached to the Senate’s budget reconciliation package, received support from three Republicans – Sens. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.
“I do not know Mr. Pulte at all,” said Collins in explaining her vote. “I don’t know whether he has any intelligence or military background. I don’t even know whether he has a security clearance.”
This morning, Senate Democrats morning cited the Pulte appointment by blocking an effort to extend the enhanced surveillance authorities under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. JustTheNews.com reports the authorities are due to expire next week and Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), the ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said his conference wouldn’t vote to authorize the extension because of Pulte, whom he described as “grossly unqualified.” Warner also stated Pulte has a history of weaponizing confidential information for use against the president’s political foes.
Six Republicans joined Democrats in the 47-52 failed vote on the motion to proceed, with Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman as the only Democrat supporting the motion.
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