Congress Faces June 12 Deadline on Section 702 Renewal Amid Dispute Over Trump's DNI Pick

Congress faces a Friday, June 12, 2026 deadline to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, with the measure stalled by partisan disagreement over President Trump's choice to lead the intelligence community. S. spy agencies to collect foreigners' texts, calls, and emails without a warrant.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers has noted that Americans' communications are sometimes captured in those searches. The statute has already been extended twice this year through short-term patches. The Brennan Center for Justice states that existing FISA surveillance authorities would continue through March 2027 even if the current provision expires.

President Trump announced Bill Pulte, currently the top federal official overseeing mortgage backers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as his pick to replace Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. Trump later posted that Pulte will assume the role of Acting Director of National Intelligence on Friday, June 19.

Many Democrats pledged to withhold support for any reauthorization bill until the White House selects a different nominee.

Rep. " Himes added that he cannot persuade other House Democrats to back renewal unless Pulte is replaced. Sen. " Republican Sens. " Sen. Ron Wyden vowed to "fight like hell" to ensure the law is not renewed without significant changes.

Sen. " President Trump met with House Speaker Mike Johnson on June 9 to discuss the situation. Top Republicans and Democrats on the intelligence committees continue to support renewal of Section 702 despite the broader deadlock.