Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said Tuesday that the White House is seriously considering a long-term nominee to replace acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, a move that could help resolve a partisan standoff over the renewal of critical intelligence surveillance authorities.
Speaking to reporters, Thune said he has been in contact with White House officials and suggested that President Trump may soon announce a permanent nominee to oversee the nation’s intelligence agencies.
“I have not talked to the president but I’ve been in contact with somebody over there who cares a lot about this,” Thune said, according to The Hill. “I think they’re weighing seriously a long-term pick.”
Pulte, who also serves as Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), was tapped by President Trump to serve as acting DNI despite having little experience in intelligence or national security matters.
His appointment has drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans. Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) have publicly questioned whether Pulte is qualified to serve as the nation’s top intelligence official.
The controversy has become increasingly significant as Congress faces a Friday deadline to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which authorizes the government to collect foreign intelligence information.
Last week, Senate Democrats blocked a procedural vote on a House-passed measure that would extend Section 702 authorities. Democrats have argued they will not support reauthorization while Pulte remains in charge of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, sharply criticized Pulte’s appointment.
“Nobody needs to tell me how important 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,” Warner said, according to The Hill. He described Pulte as “grossly unqualified.”
Thune expressed optimism that nominating a permanent DNI could help break the impasse over FISA reauthorization.
“I hope that would satisfy some of the concerns that have been raised,” Thune said, suggesting that a long-term nominee could provide a path toward bipartisan agreement on extending the surveillance authority before it expires.
The White House has not yet announced whether it will formally nominate a replacement for Pulte.
