Senate Democrats block bipartisan bills in hardball effort to counter Trump

Senate Democrats allowed the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to expire starting Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as interim head of intelligence agencies. According to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, the caucus is using every tool available to fight the appointment of the federal housing regulator.

The decision to let the surveillance authority lapse marks an escalation in legislative battles between Democrats and the White House. Democrats are blocking the traditionally bipartisan law as they seek leverage in a Republican-led Congress.

Why did Senate Democrats block the FISA renewal?

Democrats are protesting the appointment of Bill Pulte, a federal housing regulator, to temporarily lead the nation’s intelligence agencies. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., stated that the president may use these capabilities to protect himself politically rather than protect the nation.

Democrats point to Pulte’s lack of national security background and his history of pushing for investigations into political figures Trump considers foes. Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said Thursday that while the situation is dangerous, it “didn’t have to happen.”

Did You Know? Republicans warned that the FISA lapse occurs as the U.S. prepares for celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary and the arrival of millions of visitors for World Cup games.

What are the national security risks of the FISA lapse?

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Democrats have been playing “fast and loose” with national security. He cited the 43-day government shutdown last fall and delays in funding for immigration enforcement as evidence of a pattern.

Republicans argue that letting the law, which aims to prevent terrorist attacks, expire creates a grave threat to the country. Even some Republicans, including Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, have joined Democrats in criticizing Pulte’s appointment.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the standoff represents a high-stakes gamble where Democrats are weighing the immediate risks of a surveillance gap against the long-term goal of preventing a loyalist with limited experience from controlling intelligence apparatuses.

How has the Democratic strategy shifted?

Democratic strategist Joel Payne, a former aide to Harry Reid, said the caucus has “shifted to more of a fight posture.” This follows a period a year ago when Chuck Schumer faced internal party criticism for voting with Republicans to keep the government open.

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While Democrats have not yet won policy victories regarding health care subsidies or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Payne suggests they have gained leverage. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., noted that he is seeing some Republicans “start to move a little bit.”

What happens next with the intelligence agency leadership?

President Trump nominated Jay Clayton, a former SEC chairman and U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, as a permanent replacement on Thursday. Republicans are now rushing to confirm Clayton before Pulte is scheduled to take over as interim director on June 19.

It remains unclear if Democrats will support Clayton’s confirmation or attempt to slow the process. Andrew O’Neill of the group Indivisible expressed concern over some Democrats praising Clayton, describing the party’s progress over the last year as a “mixed bag.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) expire?
Senate Democrats blocked its renewal to protest President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as the interim leader of the nation’s intelligence agencies.

Who is Bill Pulte?
Pulte is a federal housing regulator and Trump loyalist who lacks a national security background, according to Democratic lawmakers.

Who is the permanent nominee for the intelligence job?
President Trump nominated Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and former SEC chairman.

Do you believe legislative blocks are an effective way to challenge executive appointments?