WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticized President Trump's past selection of Bill Pulte for acting director of national intelligence. He also acknowledged that the expiration of warrantless surveillance authority under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) poses a national security risk. The House of Representatives adjourned before Congress could intervene to extend the surveillance authority, and the Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Monday.

President Trump announced on Thursday that he nominated Jay Clayton to serve as the next director of national intelligence. The Senate Intelligence Committee is scheduled to hold a confirmation hearing for Clayton on Wednesday, and Senate Republican leaders indicated they plan to proceed quickly with the nomination. Warner expressed support for Clayton's nomination and the reauthorization of FISA. "We will get Clayton, I hope, confirmed as quickly as possible. We will then move very quickly to get FISA reauthorized." Warner said.

Democrats and some Republicans had previously opposed President Trump's selection of Bill Pulte to serve as acting director of national intelligence. Pulte serves as the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. He stated that Pulte would follow Trump's directives.

He characterized giving Pulte access to intelligence agencies as a national security threat. "He was able to weaponize private mortgage insurance information. Giving him the keys to the 18 intelligence agencies would be a disaster and a national security threat." he said. Trump questioned the opposition to Pulte, posting on Truth Social, "Why are the Dumocrats so afraid of of Bill Pulte at DNI???" Trump stated he opposes reauthorizing the surveillance authority unless an elections bill is attached to the legislation.

Warner represents the state of Virginia. He intends to question Clayton about maintaining election integrity.