House Speaker Meets With President Trump as FISA Renewal Faces Democratic Opposition

The House speaker is meeting with President Trump on Tuesday morning to address reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which expires at the end of the week. Democratic opposition centers on the appointment of Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence.

Pulte previously led the Federal Housing Finance Agency and has no known intelligence experience.

Background on the Appointment Pulte's selection has drawn criticism from Democrats who have said they will not support reauthorization while he holds the post. One Democratic senator stated Monday that the appointment would prevent their vote for renewal. The House passed a FISA reauthorization bill containing reforms in April. The Senate is considering a separate version of the legislation.

GOP leaders have indicated that Democratic support will be needed to pass any measure in the Senate. Officials have noted that a short-term extension remains possible if agreement is not reached. Current Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced last month that she will resign effective June 30 due to her husband's medical diagnosis.

"It's important that that program does not go dark on Friday when it expires," a GOP leader said during a press conference.