Why Senate Democrats Let FISA Expire in Trump Standoff

Senate Democrats allowed a key surveillance law to expire Saturday, escalating their confrontation with President Donald Trump, AP reported.

The Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act lapsed after Democrats blocked renewal. They protested Trump’s appointment of federal housing regulator Bill Pulte as interim intelligence director. Republicans called the lapse a national security risk with World Cup games and the nation’s 250th anniversary approaching.

The hardball tactic marks a shift from a year ago. Then, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer faced criticism from his own party for avoiding a government shutdown. Since then, Democrats contributed to shutdowns and delayed Trump’s nominations. Most recently, they blocked a bipartisan intelligence measure. They have little to show in policy wins so far.

“I don’t deny that this is dangerous,” said Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. “But this didn’t have to happen.”

Trump nominated a permanent intelligence director Thursday. The confirmation process will take weeks. He has not budged on Pulte’s interim role.

The standoff has united Democrats. “We are going to use every tool we have to fight back,” Schumer said.

The Senate is expected to take up FISA renewal once a permanent director is confirmed. No date has been set.