Week Ahead in Washington: June 21
Congress returns to Washington amid uncertainty over FISA and the nation’s capital celebrates the kickoff of the Great American State Fair
WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - Congress returns to Washington this week amid uncertainty over a key intelligence tool.
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, expired June 12. It allows the collection of electronic communications of non-Americans located outside the United States.
It lapsed after Democrats blocked any possible extension in protest of President Donald Trump’s pick for Acting Director of National Intelligence, Bill Pulte. Democrats have said they’ll support a FISA extension once Pulte is gone.
Trump has nominated U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton to be the permanent DNI, but canceled his hearing last week amid a fight over Clayton’s potential replacement in New York.
And, The Great American State Fair kicks off on the National Mall this week. It’s part of the Trump-backed Freedom 250, dedicated to celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
President Trump will headline the opening night Wednesday with a rally on the mall after several musical acts backed out.
The fair, which will feature exhibits from states, territories, and federal agencies, will run through July 10.
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