FISA Section 702 Lapses as DNI Office Faces Turmoil

Congress this week failed to renew FISA Section 702, allowing the warrantless foreign-surveillance authority to lapse Friday after the House voted 218-198 against a three-week extension. The lapse is the first time the authority has expired since its enactment. The law allows intelligence agencies to collect communications of foreign targets overseas. Analysts said existing collection infrastructure would not immediately go dark. But new targeting orders could not be issued.

The week also brought upheaval at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Tulsi Gabbard’s designated successor, Bill Pulte, called Gabbard on Tuesday and told her the day was her last — an abrupt removal that drew criticism from both parties. Trump subsequently nominated Jay Clayton, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York and former SEC chairman, as his permanent Director of National Intelligence.