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US lawmakers warn Pulte appointment could thwart surveillance law's renewal

US lawmakers warn Pulte appointment could thwart surveillance law's renewal

By Svea Herbst-Bayliss and Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON, June 7 (Reuters) - Two U.S. lawmakers with national security expertise warned on Sunday that President Donald Trump's choice of Bill Pulte to be his chief intelligence adviser could stand in the way of renewing an expiring foreign surveillance
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Republican senators warn surveillance program may lapse after Trump intel pick backlash

Republican senators warn surveillance program may lapse after Trump intel pick backlash

Senators are warning that a key U.S. surveillance authority could expire this week after bipartisan opposition to President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the nation’s intelligence community derailed an extension effort
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U.S. and China Compete for Tungsten Amid Global Shortages and Strategic Stockpiling

U.S. and China Compete for Tungsten Amid Global Shortages and Strategic Stockpiling

U.S. and China Compete for Tungsten Amid Global Shortages and Strategic Stockpiling
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U.S. Debt Approaches Unsustainable Levels, Risking Default Crisis

U.S. Debt Approaches Unsustainable Levels, Risking Default Crisis

U.S. Debt Approaches Unsustainable Levels, Risking Default Crisis
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Food and Agriculture Sectors Drive U.S. Economic Growth

Food and Agriculture Sectors Drive U.S. Economic Growth

The food and agriculture sectors are pivotal to the U.S. economy, supporting nearly 49 million jobs and generating $10.4 trillion in economic output, which accounts for about one-fifth of the nation's total production. The 2026 Feeding the Economy report highlights the extensive impact of these sectors, which extend beyond farming to include food manufacturing, transportation, and retail. Direct farm employment is relatively small, but the broader industry supports a significant portion of the U.S. workforce. The sectors also contribute over $3 trillion in wages, underscoring their importance to national economic stability.
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Congress Moves to Integrate U.S. and Israeli Defense Technologies Amid Controversy

Congress Moves to Integrate U.S. and Israeli Defense Technologies Amid Controversy

A provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is set to permanently integrate U.S. and Israeli defense technologies, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Known as Section 224, the initiative aims to formalize the integration of Israeli-developed technologies into U.S. military processes. This move has sparked debate among lawmakers and military experts, with some expressing concerns over the implications of such integration. Retired Air Force Lt. Col. William Astore highlighted the potential risks of adopting Israeli AI technologies, which have been used in military operations against Palestinians, suggesting they could be used domestically against perceived threats. The House Armed Services Committee has approved the NDAA, and it will now be considered by the full House. Despite opposition from some legislators, including Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, the provision remains in the bill.
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President Trump Appoints Acting Director to Downsize National Intelligence Office

President Trump Appoints Acting Director to Downsize National Intelligence Office

President Trump has appointed Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence with a mandate to reduce the size of the office. This move follows the resignation of Tulsi Gabbard, who had already initiated a significant downsizing of the office, citing inefficiency. Under Gabbard, the office's budget was cut by over $700 million annually, and the workforce was reduced by approximately 40%. Trump has expressed that Pulte's temporary appointment is strategic, allowing him to implement further reductions before a permanent director is confirmed. This decision has faced bipartisan resistance in the Senate, particularly concerning the renewal of a national security surveillance program, as some Democrats have expressed distrust in Pulte's ability to manage the program.
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U.S. and China Compete for Tungsten Amid Global Shortages and Rising Demand

U.S. and China Compete for Tungsten Amid Global Shortages and Rising Demand

U.S. and China Compete for Tungsten Amid Global Shortages and Rising Demand
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President Trump Directs Bill Pulte to Downsize Federal Intelligence Personnel, Sparking Controversy

President Trump Directs Bill Pulte to Downsize Federal Intelligence Personnel, Sparking Controversy

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, a real estate executive and political donor, as the acting Director of National Intelligence (DNI). Pulte, who lacks experience in espionage or international diplomacy, has been tasked with executing a significant downsizing of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). This move aligns with the administration's view that the ODNI is overly expansive and redundant. Pulte's appointment and the directive to terminate numerous career personnel have caused significant concern among intelligence professionals and lawmakers. The ODNI, established post-9/11 to integrate intelligence streams and provide independent assessments, is now facing potential restructuring under Pulte's leadership.
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Senate Blocks Debate on FISA Reauthorization, Threatening Surveillance Program Continuity

Senate Blocks Debate on FISA Reauthorization, Threatening Surveillance Program Continuity

The U.S. Senate has blocked a debate on the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which is set to expire on June 12. The vote to begin debate failed with a 47-52 outcome, as seven Republicans joined Democrats in opposition. This development poses a significant challenge to the Trump administration, which has been pushing for the extension of these surveillance powers. The appointment of Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, despite his lack of security experience, has been a point of contention among Democrats, further complicating the reauthorization efforts.
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President Trump Urges Reduction in National Intelligence Office Staff

President Trump Urges Reduction in National Intelligence Office Staff

President Trump has expressed his desire for incoming acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte to initiate the process of reducing the staff at the DNI's office. The office oversees 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA and NSA. Trump's comments are part of a broader shake-up of the U.S. intelligence community. The president's appointment of Pulte, who lacks intelligence agency experience, has already drawn criticism from members of Congress, including Republican senators. Trump has indicated that Pulte's role is temporary and that he is considering candidates for the permanent DNI position.
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Postal Regulatory Commission Urges Congress to Define USPS Service Mission to Resolve Financial Crisis

Postal Regulatory Commission Urges Congress to Define USPS Service Mission to Resolve Financial Crisis

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is facing a financial crisis that, according to Robert Taub, vice chairman of the Postal Regulatory Commission, will not be resolved until Congress establishes a clear funding system aligned with the USPS's service requirements. During a testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Operations, Taub emphasized the need for Congress to define what America requires from its postal service and the associated costs. This call for action comes as the USPS faces potential financial insolvency, with Postmaster General David Steiner previously warning that the agency could run out of funds by fall. However, a temporary suspension of certain employer contributions to the Federal Employees Retirement System has delayed this financial cliff. Despite this reprieve, Taub and other officials stress that this is not a long-term solution, urging Congress to enact fundamental changes to the USPS's funding and service model.