Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expired after Congress declined to extend it last week. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin described the current terrorism threat as the highest it has ever been.
Mullin made the remarks during a Sunday appearance on Fox News. He said federal agencies arrest terrorists inside the United States every week and warned that the loss of the authority would slow investigations.
The provision allowed the CIA, NSA, and FBI to monitor foreign suspects overseas without a warrant. It lapsed Friday following votes by 19 Republicans and nearly all Democrats against a short-term extension. Senate efforts to pass alternative measures also failed.
Mullin noted that the change comes ahead of 78 World Cup matches across 11 U.S. cities and nationwide America 250 events. He said some local police departments lack sufficient resources to handle the added workload.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte must be replaced. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accused the administration of disrupting negotiations. Senators Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley warned of a potential gap in foreign intelligence collection.
