Pulte’s Job as Intelligence Boss Puts Spy Powers Law in Jeopardy

Senate Democrats are threatening to block an extension of a controversial spy powers law if the White House refuses to withdraw its appointment of Bill Pulte as the acting director of National Intelligence.

Senator Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee and a key vote on the extension, warned Majority Leader John Thune of the potential revolt, according to a person familiar with the discussion.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that he was appointing Pulte – a loyalist who has used his perch as the nation’s top housing regulator to launch investigations into perceived Trump opponents ...