Shaheen Statement on Vote Against Motion to Proceed on FISA

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on her vote against the motion to proceed on FISA:

“I recognize the important role that Section 702 of FISA plays in protecting America’s national security and have long supported maintaining it. However, the President is undermining extension of this critical authority by appointing Bill Pulte to serve as the acting Director of National Intelligence. America’s safety is built on having an effective and non-partisan intelligence community that will not let political considerations undermine work with life-or-death stakes. At a time when America is involved in conflicts overseas and faces threats at home, the intelligence community needs qualified and serious leadership. Bill Pulte is neither. Mr. Pulte has zero qualification for the role except for his blind political loyalty to President Trump. His complete lack of experience puts Americans at risk and runs clearly contrary to the qualifications set out in law for the position.

“Mr. Pulte must go, and I voted last night for Senator Warner’s amendment to effectively block his appointment. I’m encouraged that President Trump has indicated that Mr. Pulte will not be in this role for long, but until he departs the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). I cannot support an extension of Section 702 authorities. Mr. Pulte has already demonstrated his willingness to weaponize the federal government to go after the President’s enemies, and I cannot in good conscience give him the tools to do so further. Americans deserve an intelligence community that both keeps us safe and has effective, qualified and apolitical leadership. We will not have that until Mr. Pulte leaves ODNI.”

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