Sen. Mark Warner says he hopes Senate can confirm Trump's DNI pick "this week"

Senator Mark Warner expressed optimism that the Senate could confirm President Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence (DNI) within the week. This potential confirmation is closely tied to the urgent need to reauthorize a critical surveillance authority, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), which expired late last week.

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We will get Clayton, I hope, confirmed as quickly as possible. We will then move very quickly to get FISA reauthorized.

The impasse arose after Democrats objected to the appointment of an acting intelligence chief, Bill Pulte, citing his lack of national security experience and potential risks to classified information. Democrats refused to extend the warrantless surveillance authority as long as Pulte was slated to take the role. President Trump subsequently nominated Jay Clayton, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, for the permanent DNI position.

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Out of ignorance, he might give away information. I've had heads of our intelligence community say to us they're terrified of showing him information. I've had foreign governments express huge concern.

Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated his hope for swift confirmation of Clayton, followed by rapid reauthorization of FISA. He indicated that unanimous consent could expedite the process. However, Democrats remain wary of Pulte, with Warner asserting that Pulte "will do whatever Donald Trump says" and warning that giving him access to intelligence agencies would be a "disaster and a national security threat."

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One thing we know about Bill Pulte is he will do whatever Donald Trump says. He was able to weaponize private mortgage insurance information. Giving him the keys to the 18 intelligence agencies would be a disaster and a national security threat.

President Trump voiced frustration on social media regarding the Democrats' stance on Pulte. The Senate is set to return, with Republican leaders planning to expedite Clayton's nomination. The Senate Intelligence Committee has scheduled a confirmation hearing for Wednesday, but Warner suggested confirmation could occur even sooner if unanimous consent is achieved. Concerns about Pulte's potential to "weaponize" information and the fears of intelligence community leaders and foreign governments regarding his access to sensitive data were highlighted by Warner.

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Why are the Dumocrats so afraid of of Bill Pulte at DNI???