Senator Introduces Bill to Limit Acting DNI Appointments

6 days ago 0

Senate Intelligence Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-Va.) introduced new legislation on Tuesday to prevent the president from appointing an acting director of national intelligence (DNI) without Senate approval. This bill follows President Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as acting head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), bypassing the typical confirmation process.

Pulte, who remains head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), was chosen by Trump to lead the intelligence community temporarily. Warner’s bill, named the Do Not Interfere in our Intelligence Act, stipulates that the principal deputy DNI, a Senate-confirmed position, should automatically assume the role of acting DNI if a vacancy arises.

Warner stated, “Bill Pulte may be exactly who President Trump wants running the intelligence community, but that does not make him qualified for the job. The intelligence community should be led by experienced, Senate-confirmed professionals.” Warner emphasized the importance of qualified leadership to prevent potential intelligence failures and national security crises.

The situation began when former DNI Tulsi Gabbard stepped down due to her husband’s health issues. Initially, Trump announced Aaron Lukas, her principal deputy, would take over. However, Trump reversed his decision, appointing Pulte as the acting DNI.

Pulte’s appointment raised concerns among Senate Republicans due to his lack of intelligence or national security experience. During his tenure at FHFA, Pulte made criminal referrals against four individuals opposing Trump, accusing them of mortgage fraud.

Amid criticism from Democrats, demands surfaced for Lukas to reassume the acting DNI role. The controversy contributed to Congress delaying the renewal of foreign surveillance powers. Trump subsequently nominated U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for DNI, but requested Clayton skip his confirmation hearing, hoping to prevent Pulte’s continued tenure.

Warner’s bill proposes that if the principal deputy DNI is unavailable, the president must select from other Senate-vetted positions, such as directors within the National Counterterrorism Center, National Counterintelligence and Security Center, ODNI’s general counsel, or inspector general for intelligence. The bill also outlines alternate choices from Senate-confirmed leaders at key agencies like the CIA, Department of Homeland Security, and the National Security Agency.