Section 702 Surveillance Authority Lapses at Midnight June 13

Senate Democrats allowed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act surveillance authority to lapse starting Saturday, June 13, 2026. The decision blocks renewal of the law that permits collection of intelligence on foreign targets. President Donald Trump nominated Bill Pulte, the federal housing regulator, to serve as temporary director of the nation’s intelligence agencies.

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Trump also named a permanent replacement for the post. Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Thursday that Democrats are allowing FISA to expire starting Saturday.

“I don’t deny that this is dangerous,” Warner stated. Democrats tied the lapse to Pulte’s interim appointment. Sen. Chris Murphy said Democrats view Pulte as a greater threat because he lacks a national security background.

Republicans reached a bipartisan compromise on intelligence legislation before Trump announced Pulte’s appointment. The confirmation process for the permanent nominee will take time, and Trump has kept Pulte in the interim role. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer voted with Republicans in spring 2025 to keep the government open.

Since then, Democrats have forced government shutdowns, slowed Trump’s nominations and blocked the intelligence law renewal. A 43-day government shutdown occurred last fall. Democrats also delayed funding for Trump’s immigration enforcement operations for months.

Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana lost primaries last month to Trump-backed opponents. Both senators joined Democrats in criticizing Pulte. Republicans warned that letting the surveillance law expire poses risks while millions of visitors enter the United States for World Cup games and the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations begin.