Trump’s choice of Pulte as head of U.S. intelligence, replacing Tulsi Gabbard, caused the mess in the upper chamber.
Senate Democrats have called Pulte a political hack who shouldn’t be responsible for surveilling the government so much.
Johnson told reporters on Capitol Hill Wednesday afternoon that House Republicans didn’t have “a great deal of confidence” that the Senate would agree on extending FISA.
“They’re unable to pass it, and it’s a great regret, because Democrats in the Senate are playing political games right now with the lives of Americans,” said the top House lawmaker. “It’s a very dangerous situation.”
Johnson said House Republicans would bring up a short-term extension to FISA that would keep the program online until July 2, consistent with requests from the White House.
“FISA … is how we surveil terrorists who are trying to hurt Americans,” the House speaker said. “It’s a very important, vital national security tool. We cannot allow that to go dark.”
