The Senate confirmed Jay Clayton Tuesday as director of national intelligence on a 51-47 party-line vote to replace Bill Pulte, whom President Trump had installed temporarily.
Trump announced the pick just hours before Section 702 was set to expire in mid-June. Republicans moved fast to confirm him and break the stalemate on the spy authority. But Trump upended those plans shortly before Clayton’s confirmation hearing last month, catching Republicans off guard.
Clayton finally appeared before the Senate Intelligence Committee on July 15 — about a month later than first scheduled.
Even with Clayton now confirmed, an extension of FISA Section 702 is likely to stay lapsed for weeks longer. The Senate remains in session through next week and is not expected back before September 14. The House is already on a five-week recess and returns August 31.
