Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said the White House is "weighing seriously" a long-term nominee to replace Bill Pulte as Director of National Intelligence, a development that could resolve a Democratic blockade on enhanced intelligence surveillance authorities set to expire Friday.
Pulte, who also serves as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, does not have significant national security or intelligence experience. He has been serving in an acting capacity as DNI since his appointment by President Trump.
What the Left Is Saying
Senate Democrats have refused to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act while Pulte holds the DNI position, even on an acting basis.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, told reporters that Pulte is "grossly unqualified" for the role and should not be in the position given what Warner described as a history of weaponizing confidential information.
"Nobody needs to tell me how important [Section] 702 is but I also know that someone who doesn't even meet the basic qualifications of the law to be director of national intelligence shouldn't be put in that position, particularly when he's got a history of taking and weaponizing confidential information," Warner said.
Democrats have accused Pulte of using his access to private mortgage records through FHFA to pursue allegations against political adversaries, including Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook and New York Attorney General Letitia James (D). The extension of FISA surveillance authority remains stalled as a result.
What the Right Is Saying
Thune expressed optimism Tuesday that nominating a permanent DNI would satisfy Democratic concerns and break the deadlock over extending FISA surveillance powers.
"I think they're weighing seriously a long-term pick," Thune told reporters, noting he has been in contact with White House officials about the matter.
Several senior Republicans have also questioned Pulte's qualifications for the intelligence post. Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have both stated publicly that Pulte is not qualified to serve as DNI, the president's principal adviser on national security and intelligence matters.
The extension of Section 702 authority is due to expire Friday without congressional action.
What the Numbers Show
Section 702 of FISA authorizes warrantless surveillance of foreign targets communicating with U.S. persons, a power that intelligence officials say is critical to national security.
Thune has been in contact with White House officials as negotiations continue on both the DNI nomination and the FISA extension timeline.
Pulte leads two federal agencies simultaneously: the Director of National Intelligence position and the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
The Bottom Line
The Senate faces a Friday deadline to extend Section 702 authority while also navigating questions about Pulte's fitness to serve as intelligence director. Thune suggested the White House may announce a permanent DNI nominee soon, potentially clearing the path for Democratic cooperation on surveillance legislation. Whether that timing aligns with Friday's expiration remains uncertain.