Surveillance Authority Faces Expiration Amid Intelligence Chief Nomination Crisis

Section 702 of FISA—the government's primary warrantless surveillance tool that incidentally captures American communications—is set to expire Friday without congressional action. Trump's appointment of unqualified housing official Bill Pulte as acting intelligence director has united both parties against reauthorization, creating a political deadlock over a program the intelligence community views as essential. This standoff illustrates how personnel decisions can hold hostage critical surveillance authorities that the government considers vital for national security.