Source: Fox News
Summary
The US government’s surveillance program, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), is set to expire, and lawmakers are unsure of the implications. Democrats rejected attempts to extend the program in response to President Donald Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte to oversee the nation’s intelligence services. The program allows the government to collect intelligence on foreigners using US communication systems, but also sweeps up communications from Americans talking to foreign suspects. The expiration of the program marks the first extended lapse since its enactment in 2008.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Lawmakers are unsure of the implications of the program’s expiration. Democrats rejected attempts to extend the program in response to President Trump’s appointment. The program’s expiration marks the first extended lapse since its enactment in 2008. The Trump administration argues that the surveillance authority is a critical national security tool. The uncharted territory comes amid a heightened threat environment. The situation has become a partisan issue, with Democrats countering that the logjam could have been avoided if Trump had not appointed Pulte. The routine of partisan animosity has taken center stage.
Author: Evan Null
