Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) is urging President Donald Trump to reconsider plans to install Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte as acting Director of National Intelligence, arguing that the move could complicate efforts to preserve key surveillance authorities set to expire later this week.
In a post on X Monday, Bacon framed the issue as one of national security and warned that ongoing concerns surrounding Pulte’s appointment could undermine congressional support for renewing authorities under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, commonly known as FISA.
“FISA gives us over 50 percent of our most sensitive intelligence and has enabled the U.S. to stop multiple terrorist attacks,” Bacon wrote.
“Letting FISA lapse would reflect a nation paralyzed by hyper-partisanship and dysfunction. POTUS can help by canceling plans to put Bill Pulte as Acting DNI,” he added.
The surveillance authorities are currently scheduled to expire on June 12, placing additional pressure on lawmakers and the administration as debates continue over the future of the program.
The dispute over Pulte’s temporary appointment has drawn criticism from both sides of the political aisle. Democrats and Republicans alike have expressed concerns about granting him access to highly sensitive intelligence information and personal records collected through national security programs.
Much of the criticism stems from actions Pulte took last year when he issued criminal referrals involving mortgage records connected to political opponents of President Trump. Critics argue that those actions raise questions about how sensitive information could be handled if he assumes a role overseeing the nation’s intelligence apparatus, even on an interim basis.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) delivered some of the strongest criticism during an appearance on Fox News Sunday over the weekend.
“You’re going to turn the keys of all of our intelligence agencies over somebody so grossly unqualified who’s shown he’s willing to take information and misuse it — secret information,” Warner said.
“That is a national security disaster,” he added.
While Democrats have been outspoken in their opposition, some Republicans have also voiced reservations. Among them is Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who acknowledged concerns about Pulte’s qualifications while emphasizing the temporary nature of the appointment.
“He’s not qualified for the long-term position, that’s been clear on this. He has no national security background,” Lankford said during his own appearance on Fox News Sunday.
At the same time, Lankford noted that the appointment is intended to be short-lived.
“This is a short-term interim, few-weeks-to-a-month type role to be able to put him in there,” he said.
Lankford explained that the temporary arrangement became necessary because Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has stepped aside to care for her husband as he undergoes medical treatments.
The controversy arrives at a critical moment for Congress, which is simultaneously debating the future of FISA and potential reforms to the surveillance program. Lawmakers in the House have been discussing possible changes that could accompany a long-term extension of the authorities.
Among the proposals under consideration are a warrant requirement and a permanent ban on a central bank digital currency as part of broader negotiations surrounding the surveillance powers.
The debate highlights the difficult balance lawmakers face between maintaining intelligence capabilities and ensuring public confidence in how sensitive information is handled. While supporters argue that FISA remains a vital national security tool, critics continue to press for reforms and greater oversight as Congress races against the June 12 deadline.
With time running short, Bacon’s warning underscores growing concerns that disputes over leadership and trust could complicate efforts to secure the future of one of the government’s most consequential intelligence programs.
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