INTERNACIONAL
Reporter’s Notebook: Lawmakers scramble as FISA fight comes at the worst possible time
Lawmakers sound alarm as FISA spy law expires
Fox News chief congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports on Congress failing to reach a deal on FISA Section 702, sparking warnings from lawmakers about national security vulnerabilities, on ‘Fox Report.’
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
There’s the World Cup. America’s 250th birthday. And the conflict with Iran.
It’s all a nightmare national security hat trick.
«It’s the highest we’ve ever seen,» said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Fox News Sunday about the terrorism threat level. «When I say we arrest terrorists every single week, I’m not exaggerating. Those aren’t the individuals that are coming across our border, those are individuals that are still inside this country.»
But lawmakers are scared now that the nation’s premier anti-terrorism tool — called FISA Section 702 — expired over the weekend.
EXPIRING SPY LAW SPARKS WARNINGS OF ‘FATAL’ CONSEQUENCES AHEAD OF WORLD CUP
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin testifies before the House Committee on Homeland Security during a hearing on the Fiscal 2027 budget request for the Department of Homeland Security, in Washington, Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (Cliff Owen)
«I hope and pray to God that nothing happens in this country where an American is killed,» said Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio.
«We want to prevent the next 9/11 from happening,» said Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., on Fox.
«This program goes dark at a time when there are literally hundreds of thousands of people coming to this country for the World Cup,» said Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D.
Well, not quite.
«FISA is operative until next March. That’s the legislation,» said Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Confused? You’re not the only one. Let me explain.
SPY PROGRAM CREDITED WITH STOPPING TAYLOR SWIFT TERROR PLOT BARRELS TOWARD EXPIRATION
Sen. Jack Reed listens as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testifies at a Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee hearing on the Fed’s semiannual monetary policy report on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 2022. (Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images)
Legal authority sanctioned by Congress for this powerful intelligence-gathering weapon to foil terrorism expired at 11:59:59 p.m. ET Friday night. If nearly any other statute other than FISA Section 702 expired, the government couldn’t continue to rely on the program.
«It’s a very inopportune time to allow the authorizing statute for 702 to lapse,» conceded George Croner, a former National Security Agency counsel. «It has proven to be the most useful by far of any of the intelligence programs that the community has available to it.»
That’s why there’s worry about unprecedented vulnerabilities with the program expiring. Especially right now.
«I think that it’s completely irresponsible to have FISA go dark at the beginning of the World Cup,» said Rep. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., on FOX Business.
A bipartisan coalition tanked an emergency FISA extension in both bodies of Congress last week.
«It should have been voted down,» said Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo. «And I don’t say that lightly.»
«We don’t have the guts to fix it. And I’m tired of hearing people are going to die,» said Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., scoffing at potential consequences from a program which ran its statutory course.
The House rejected a three-week patch to paper over an imminent lapse in the program on Thursday.
«Anybody who votes no on this bill is voting to undermine America’s national security,» said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.
CONSERVATIVE FISA REVOLT POSES FRESH TEST FOR SPEAKER JOHNSON
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, joined by House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, holds a news conference after a House Republican Conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 13, 2026. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
But the GOP House majority failed to muster even 200 yeas for the bill. Nineteen Republicans bolted. They have privacy concerns and raised questions about illegal searches and seizures.
«The Fourth Amendment is not a suggestion. We have to have a warrant,» said Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas.
Still, Republican leaders claimed that it was Democratic resistance which put the country at risk.
«(Democrats) are willing to jeopardize the safety and the security of the American people to make a cheap political point,» said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
But there was a reason Democrats balked.
Congress punted renewing FISA Section 702 on multiple occasions over the past few months, repeatedly approving stopgap measures. Finally, Democrats and Republicans painstakingly negotiated a compromise which would install reforms. But Democrats withdrew their support for the deal once President Trump announced that housing czar Bill Pulte would take over on a temporary basis for Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Democrats noted that Pulte lacked any national security or intelligence experience. Moreover, they believed he could weaponize intelligence programs like Section 702 against political opponents.
TULSI GABBARD CHANGES TUNE ON CONTROVERSIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOL FOLLOWING GOP LOBBYING
Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency Bill Pulte walks outside the White House, Sept. 2, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Ironically, both sides thought this was ironed out before Memorial Day. But Senate Democrats pulled their votes to advance the FISA measure in a pre-dawn vote late last month.
Still, there’s concern about the consequences of not having FISA Section 702 fully in place.
«Do Democrats not sleep at night if, God forbid, there’s something that happens with FISA turned off?» yours truly asked House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
«Donald Trump should lose sleep,» countered Jeffries. «Because Donald Trump decided he wants to elevate Bill Pulte, who is nothing more than a malignant political hack.»
Here’s how the program works:
FISA siphons the calls, emails and texts of foreign intelligence targets that the U.S. tracks. A special, secret court oversees FISA. But it ruled that the intelligence services can still track suspect communications through well into 2026 – despite a break in the law.
«Data can still be collected for a year after it expires. So I don’t think it’s as dire as some think it is,» said Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo.
She’s not the only one.
«(FISA) will not lapse. I try to make this clear. The statute makes it clear that the authorities of FISA are going to be positive and enforceable for the remainder of this year. We think, until March of next year,» said Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
TRUMP SIGNS STOPGAP FISA EXTENSION AFTER SENATE BLOCKS LONG-TERM RENEWAL
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., speaks during a hearing on Capitol Hill to examine the abduction of Ukrainian children by the Russian Federation on Dec. 3, 2025. (Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post)
However, it’s unclear if telecommunications companies will provide digital breadcrumbs to the government, lacking a Congressional safeguard.
«That is a gray area and it’s one of the things that we’re going to have to work through,» said Jeffries.
Croner, the former NSA counsel, says people shouldn’t worry about the government lacking a FISA Section 702 law. But he offered a caveat.
«The carriers are going to become, in my view, increasingly uncomfortable with not having statutory protection for their part in 702 collection,» said Croner.
When reporting on Congress, you’re only as good as your sources. And the same can be said in spy craft. The government’s digital spooks can’t track possible terrorists if the telecom data vanishes.
It was believed a path emerged to re-up FISA late last week. Just as the Senate departed for the week, the President nominated Jay Clayton as the permanent DNI. Clayton’s confirmation hearing is Wednesday before the Senate Intelligence Committee. It’s possible the Senate could step on the gas and try to confirm Clayton on the floor as early as this week. That could clear the path to reauthorize FISA.
«The only factor was Bill Pulte,» said Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., about Democrats dropping their support for a FISA renewal. «And that factor is now, I think, set on the sideline. It should pave the way.»
Republicans will likely vote to confirm Clayton. But Democrats aren’t so sure.
«We have to look very clearly at Jay Clayton,» said Reed. «He’s a very accomplished lawyer. But the statute requires someone taking this job to have significant national security experience. That has to be measured. I don’t think he does.»
So the Senate may confirm Clayton. But does that guarantee passage of FISA? Not necessarily. President Trump altered the playing field again over the weekend.
He’s now demanding that lawmakers connect an extension of FISA Section 702 to the SAVE America Act. That bill is the touchstone of the President’s 2026 agenda. It requires proof of citizenship to vote. While popular among Republicans, the SAVE America Act didn’t even command a simple majority on two test votes in the Senate this spring.
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: TRUMP’S SAVE ACT ULTIMATUM RUNS INTO SENATE REALITY
Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, speaks at a «Only Citizens Vote» bus tour rally supporting the SAVE Act at Upper Senate Park outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 10, 2025. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
A mix of Democrats and Republicans are necessary to pass FISA. There’s too much internal GOP opposition. Latching the SAVE America Act to FISA Section 702 is a poison pill to Democrats. The measure would never command 60 votes and break a filibuster in the Senate.
So where does this land?
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
As Croner suggests, things are likely OK for now, despite the threats. However, a long statuary breach for FISA isn’t good.
You’re only as good as your sources in journalism. And perhaps to prevent a terrorist attack, you’re only as good as the law.
congress, homeland security, national security, counter terrorism, senate elections, politics
INTERNACIONAL
Platner campaign putting ‘thumb on scale’ to influence possible replacement, Maine Dem alleges
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Maine Democratic Party issued a stern warning to U.S. Senate primary winner Graham Platner, telling him and his campaign that they have «no role» in choosing his replacement.
Platner has not yet withdrawn from the race, and is still the state’s Democrat nominee for U.S. Senate, despite mounting pressure from state and national Democrats to drop out after a woman who previously dated him accused him of sexual assault in a Politico report published Monday. Platner has denied the allegations, but said he is looking at «the best path forward,» as he understood the political fallout the accusation would create.
«The Maine Democratic Party has been working around the clock to develop a process to replace our U.S. Senate nominee that is open, inclusive, transparent, and fair,» state party Executive Director Devon Murphy-Anderson said in a video posted to X amid myriad newly surfaced allegations levied against Platner with less than a week before the deadline to lock in the candidate to challenge incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine.
«The integrity of this process is just as important as the outcome, and we are committed to ensuring that Democrats across our state can have confidence in both,» Murphy-Anderson continued. «Unfortunately, Graham Platner’s team has repeatedly reached out to us in an attempt to put their thumb on the scale of what this process looks like. We have repeatedly reiterated to Graham Platner’s team that they have no role in determining our next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, nor in determining what this process looks like.»
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT IF PLATNER DROPS OUT? HERE’S WHO COULD REPLACE HIM ON THE BALLOT AND HOW IT WOULD WORK
Graham Platner won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, celebrating his victory at the YMCA in Blue Hill, Maine, on June 9, and just one month later the state Democratic Party is forcing him out and having no say in who the nominee will be. (Matt Symons for Fox News Digital)
Amid the fight with the Maine party leaders, an official for the Platner campaign said it «has reached out to the party to try and understand what this process would look like» and «at no point has the campaign tried to ‘put its finger on the scale.’»
The official added that thousands of Maine residents voted and volunteered for Platner and they should play a role in the decision.
«While Graham wouldn’t want to be a part of the process, he would want to make sure the voters and volunteers make this decision — not the political establishment,» the statement said.
GRAHAM PLATNER’S CHANCES OF DROPPING OUT SKYROCKET TO 94% AFTER PARTY REVOLT: KALSHI
Wife Amy Gertner has stood by her man Graham Platner amid myriad allegations of extramarital affairs and sexual misconduct. (Matt Symons for Fox News Digital)
Fox News Digital has made multiple attempts to reach out to Platner’s campaign for further comment, and also reached out to the Maine Democratic Party.
EXPLOSIVE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATION ROCKS PLATNER CAMPAIGN AHEAD OF KEY DEADLINE IN CRUCIAL SENATE RACE
Graham Platner has thus far been defiant and refusing to drop out without conditions, saying the Maine voters have picked him to be their nominee, ‘not the party establishment.’ (Matt Symons for Fox News Digital)
Maine Democratic Party leaders called on Platner to withdraw Monday, saying «multiple women have made serious, credible allegations against Graham Platner» and that the party «stands with women and survivors.» The party noted that no replacement process can begin unless Platner suspends his campaig, while stating that «in no scenario is there a legal possibility for a nominee to be selected by an individual campaign.»
«The sooner this process can begin, the more time we will have to administer an intentional and inclusive process for Mainers and Democrats,» the party said.
«We are entrusted with deciding who represents our values and who carries our banner,» the party said. «That responsibility requires judgment, leadership, and a willingness to act when circumstances demand it.»
The timing is critical. According to the Maine Democratic Party, the deadline set by the secretary of state for a nominee to withdraw is July 13, and the deadline for a new nominee to be submitted is July 27. If Platner does not withdraw by the July 13 deadline, Democrats would not have the option to name a replacement.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Names of potential replacements floated in media reports include former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Nirav Shah, the former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
The race is one of Democrats’ top pickup opportunities as they seek to defeat Collins, a five-term Republican incumbent, and regain control of the Senate.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
graham platner, democrats senate, politics, state and local primaries, maine
INTERNACIONAL
Uruguay prepara una jubilación anticipada a los 60 años pero define una limitación al beneficio
El gobierno de Yamandú Orsi en Uruguay redacta un proyecto de ley para establecer una causal jubilatoria especial a los 60 años de edad, que está pensada para quienes tienen dificultades para llegar a los 65 años trabajando, el mínimo requerido para el retiro. Sin embargo, el acceso cinco años antes tendrá algunas limitaciones.
El gobierno de Orsi asumió con la promesa de convocar a un “diálogo social” para hacer modificaciones a la reforma jubilatoria realizada por la gestión de Luis Lacalle Pou, que extendió la edad de retiro desde los 60 a los 65 años. Una de las innovaciones que incluyó el proyecto de ley es la posibilidad de jubilarse pero retornar al mercado laboral.
El “diálogo social”, una instancia que terminó en abril, sugirió habilitar una causal jubilatoria a los 60 años. Y ahora el gobierno incorporará esta propuesta en un proyecto de ley, pero asegura que no comprometerá la sostenibilidad financiera del sistema.
Esta causal tendrá algunas restricciones. Por ejemplo, quienes se jubilen a los 60 años no podrán acceder al beneficio de volver al mercado laboral del manera formal una vez concretada la jubilación.
“Uno de los principios rectores con el que nosotros avanzamos con esta idea era la necesidad de que esto fuera sostenible y sustentable a lo largo del tiempo”, declaró este martes el noticiero Telemundo de Canal 12 el coordinador de ese “diálogo social”, Hugo Bai.
El funcionario explicó por qué se estableció esta restricción: “Lo que aquí se está haciendo es agregar una causal de retiro anticipado que naturalmente es una causal para aquellas personas que efectivamente enfrentan alguna contingencia por la cual no pueden seguir trabajando”.
“Hasta los 65 años, no sería compatible no sería compatible con la actividad, con mantenerse trabajando” agregó
Bai destacó que un tercio de la población podrá acceder a los 60 años a una jubilación mayor que la que hubiera tenido con el régimen anterior a la última reforma jubilatoria.
Se prevé que este proyecto de ley sea enviado en agosto al Parlamento.
Otra de las propuestas del “diálogo social” son cambios en los fondos de pensiones. Sin embargo, esta propuesta continúa siendo discutida.
Cuando se conoció la propuesta fue uno de los cambios más comentados: quitarle una parte del negocio a los fondos privados de pensiones.
Desde antes que se conociera el documento final, los cambios en las AFAP habían generado polémica, al punto que analistas privados, empresarios y la oposición habían alertado por una “estatización” de este régimen de ahorro individual. ¿Qué es lo que propone en concreto? Que los fondos privados de pensiones continúen gestionando las inversiones que reciben de los trabajadores, pero que dejen de tener contacto con el cliente.
El ministro de Economía, Gabriel Oddone, se reunió en mayo con los representantes de las AFAP para “coordinar una agenda de trabajo”, según la información oficial. Esto incluye abrir un período de 60 días para trabajar con las AFAP y ver si se puede incorporar alguna de las ideas que sus ejecutivos llevaron a la reunión. Ese plazo está en su límite y funcionó de forma reservada.
“Las conversaciones van a girar en una agenda que acordamos, en un esquema de trabajo que va a organizarse de manera semanal y que va a transcurrir durante 60 días”, dijo Oddone en una declaración al final del encuentro en la que no aceptó preguntas. Este ámbito funcionará de manera reservada.
En Uruguay, hay cuatro AFAP que gestionan en régimen de ahorro individual. Una de ellas –la que tiene más clientes– es República AFAP, y sus accionistas son estatales (el Banco República, el Banco de Seguros del Estado y el Banco de Previsión Social). Las otras, son privadas: Itaú AFAP, AFAP Sura e Integración AFAP.
orsi yamandu
US envoy: Stop funding UNRWA, back Board of Peace for Gaza
Speaking at the U.N. July 1, Ambassador Jeff Bartos said donors could continue supporting United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugee or choose a framework offering Gazans «peace, prosperity and real durable change.» (Credit: UNTV)
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The United Nations defended its appeal for countries to keep funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) after the United States argued that donors should stop supporting an agency it claims has been infiltrated by Hamas and instead direct its money toward the Security Council-backed Board of Peace.
Speaking at UNRWA’s annual pledging conference in early July, U.S. Ambassador Jeff Bartos accused member states of repeating a failed approach and said the agency had become a «subsidiary of Hamas.»
«Doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result is the definition of insanity,» Bartos said. «And yet, here we are again, another annual pledging conference for UNRWA. Same speeches … same condemnation of Israel, same failures to condemn Hamas.»
HAMAS SAYS IT WILL DISSOLVE GAZA GOVERNMENT, BUT ISRAEL WARNS GROUP STILL SEEKS HEZBOLLAH-STYLE CONTROL
UNRWA’s headquarters in Gaza City, Gaza, Feb. 21, 2024. (Dawoud Abo Alkas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Bartos urged governments to stop funding UNRWA schools in Gaza, which he accused of indoctrinating children in hatred of Jews and glorifying terrorism. He also cited allegations that UNRWA employees participated in the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attack against Israel.
«You can choose to fund incitement, terrorism and stagnation, or you can choose to fund the Board of Peace, giving Gazans a path to peace, prosperity and real, durable change,» Bartos said.
The Board of Peace is a U.S.-led body created under President Donald Trump’s Gaza plan to oversee transitional governance, reconstruction and long-term development alongside a Palestinian technocratic administration. The administration argues it offers a better alternative to UNRWA by shifting aid away from what it says is a Hamas-infiltrated system and toward accountable governance and economic recovery.
Asked by Fox News Digital why U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres was asking countries to put additional money into UNRWA rather than support the Board of Peace, U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric defended the agency’s record and mandate.
ISRAEL SLAMS UN REPORT AS ‘POLITICAL BLOOD LIBEL’ FOR ALLEGING DELIBERATE TARGETING OF PALESTINIAN CHILDREN
A Palestinian woman wears a green Hamas scarf attends a demonstration against a U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) funding gap, outside the UNRWA Gaza Headquarters in Gaza City, Aug. 16, 2015. (The Associated Press)
Dujarric said Wednesday that UNRWA officials, including former Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini and acting chief Christian Saunders, had taken «strong action» when presented with facts concerning possible infiltration by people aligned with terrorist organizations.
«UNRWA doesn’t operate through a sort of immaculate conception,» Dujarric said in a press briefing. «It is there because there is a mandate given to it by the General Assembly, and we continue to fulfill that mandate. It has a very important role to play on the humanitarian front.»
Dujarric added that the Security Council resolution supporting the Board of Peace also calls on the United Nations to deliver humanitarian assistance and lead humanitarian activities in Gaza.
«UNRWA is part of that system,» he said.
The U.S. position contrasted sharply with those of several European governments.
At the same pledging event, the United Kingdom announced £23 million in support for UNRWA.
British Ambassador James Kariuki called the agency «indispensable» to providing essential services to Palestinian refugees across Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.
France also reiterated what its representative described as «full support» for the agency, saying UNRWA continues to provide indispensable assistance despite growing obstacles. France said it had provided €123 million to UNRWA since 2023 and would announce its 2026 contribution soon.
INTERNATIONAL ‘DEEP STATE’ PRIME TARGET OF TRUMP-STYLE CANDIDATE FOR UN CHIEF
A Palestinian man collects food from a humanitarian aid distribution point in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, July 20, 2025. (Ahmad Salem/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
The French representative said allegations against UNRWA had been taken seriously and argued that the agency was implementing recommendations from the Colonna review intended to strengthen neutrality and transparency. France also supported an eventual, gradual transfer of UNRWA’s responsibilities to reform and strengthen Palestinian institutions as part of a broader political settlement.
The funding dispute comes as UN Watch is demanding that Guterres waive any immunity enjoyed by Lazzarini, whose term has ended, so national authorities can investigate allegations that he ignored repeated warnings about Hamas infiltration.
In a June 30 letter, the Geneva-based watchdog claimed that it had provided Lazzarini and his administration with evidence involving teachers, school principals, union leaders and other employees who allegedly supported or were affiliated with Hamas and other terrorist groups. It argued that the claims create grounds for an independent criminal investigation.
Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, told Fox News Digital that his organization told Lazzarini «that there are supporters of terrorism — in some cases, actual members of Hamas — working as teachers, working as school principals,» Neuer said, «Not one bad apple, not a few rotten apples, but the problem of support for terrorism … was systematic.»
Neuer said waiving Lazzarini’s immunity would not amount to a finding of guilt but would allow prosecutors to test the evidence.
«The investigation may prove there’s no evidence, and it’s over,» Neuer said. «But at least you should waive immunity to allow an investigation. The U.N. said that if anyone was found involved, ‘we will cooperate.’ Now is the test.»
Asked whether Guterres would consider waiving Lazzarini’s immunity, Dujarric did not answer directly.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), holds a press conference in Jerusalem on October 27, 2023. (Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)
«As far as I know, UN Watch is not a judicial authority,» he said. «We have always, as a matter of principle, cooperated with investigations by national authorities.»
UN Watch’s letter argues that immunity exists to protect the interests of the United Nations rather than provide a personal benefit to an official, and that it should be waived where it would obstruct justice without harming the organization.
Fox News Digital contacted UNRWA for comment but did not receive a response.
anti semitism, united nations, hamas, middle east
Una visita muy especial para Jordi Cruyff… y Míchel
Proverbio africano del día: “Hasta que los leones tengan sus propios historiadores, la caza glorificará al cazador”
Mudanza o renovación: dónde comprar muebles usados en excelente estado y ahorrar hasta 70%
La Argentina cayó 20 puestos en el ranking de los países más seguros del mundo
Platner campaign putting ‘thumb on scale’ to influence possible replacement, Maine Dem alleges
Mundial 2026, EN VIVO: cómo quedaron los partidos de cuartos de final, cuándo juega Argentina, resultados y todo lo que tenés que saber este miércoles 8 de julio
La producción textil aceleró su caída y la capacidad instalada siguió entre las más bajas de la industria
Portugal vs España: formaciones, hora y dónde ver por tv
Ojo con las multas de tránsito: las más caras llegan a $3.8 millones
