Overview
- The Senate Intelligence Committee voted 9-8 to advance Jay Clayton's nomination in a closed-door session, with all committee Democrats opposing the move after his hearing.
- Clayton's July 15 confirmation hearing drew sharp Democratic criticism when he repeatedly declined to say plainly who won the 2020 presidential election and was questioned about subpoenas of New York Times journalists.
- Bill Pulte is serving as acting director of national intelligence and Democrats have said his lack of public national security experience increases pressure to confirm a permanent DNI.
- A full Senate vote is expected soon and Clayton is likely to be confirmed given Republicans' 53-47 majority, which Republicans say would reopen a path to reauthorizing Section 702 of FISA.
- Section 702, which expired on June 12, is a key counterterrorism surveillance tool and its return could restore broad foreign-intelligence collection while raising new questions about press protections and prosecutorial oversight.