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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.’
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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?
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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
El acuerdo entre Estados Unidos e Irán: incluso si reabre el estrecho de Ormuz, el petróleo tardaría semanas o meses en fluir plenamente
La tragedia llegó este lunes en horas del mediodía a la provincia de Chiriquí, fronteriza con Costa Rica, cuando un hombre de aproximadamente 45 años se presentó, arma blanca en mano, a un restaurante donde se encontraba su supuesta expareja, a quien le causó la muerte.
La víctima falleció en el lugar de los hechos al recibir una herida provocada con un arma punzocortante, elevando hasta el momento a 3 los femicidios en la provincia de Chiriquí y a 11 en el país.
Agentes de la Policía Nacional, en coordinación con el Ministerio Público, aprehendieron al sujeto, quien fue puesto a disposición de las autoridades correspondientes para las investigaciones respectivas.
Este lunes las autoridades judiciales también aprehendieron a un sospechoso de femicidio y tentativa de homicidio, por un hecho ocurrido el pasado 7 de junio en el sector de Cerro Cocobolo, distrito de San Miguelito, donde una mujer perdió la vida y otra fue herida.
La aprehensión se efectuó mediante diligencia de allanamiento en el corregimiento Arnulfo Arias, ubicando a este hombre requerido por este caso, siendo trasladados para los trámites correspondientes.
De acuerdo con la Policía, el sospechoso mantiene antecedentes penales por casos de robo agravado, riña, violencia doméstica, posesión de drogas y agresión verbal.
Según el Centro de Estadísticas del Ministerio Público, del 1 de enero y al 31 de mayo de este año se han registrado 10 víctimas de femicidio, 12 tentativas de femicidio y 6 muertes violentas de mujeres, clasificación que se refiere a todos los homicidios de personas del sexo femenino que no fueron consideradas como femicidios, según valoración del Fiscal del caso y la aplicación de la ley vigente.
Las cifras representan un aumento importante frente al mismo período de 2025. El informe señala que los femicidios al 31 de mayo pasaron de 7 casos a 10, lo que equivale a un incremento de 43%, mientras que las tentativas de femicidio aumentaron de 9 a 12 víctimas, un crecimiento de 33%. Mientras, las muertes violentas de mujeres disminuyeron de 7 a 3 casos, -14%.
Para que en Panamá exista un femicidio este debe partir de la definición penal vigente, por ejemplo, la exigencia de que exista una relación de pareja o ex pareja, o que se acrediten determinadas circunstancias de género, y tener en cuenta que no todas las muertes violentas de mujeres se clasifican de inmediato como femicidios.
Algunas pueden aparecer inicialmente como homicidios dolosos, lesiones personales con resultado de muerte u otros delitos, para luego ser reclasificadas en etapas avanzadas de la investigación.
En la mayoría de los casos, el agresor es una pareja o expareja, lo que sitúa el femicidio íntimo como la forma predominante de violencia letal contra las mujeres.
Esta realidad refuerza la idea de que el espacio doméstico, lejos de ser un lugar seguro, puede convertirse en el escenario de las más graves vulneraciones de derechos.
En algunos casos, el femicidio se comete en presencia de menores de edad o dentro del hogar compartido, lo que agrava el trauma y las consecuencias para la familia.
También existen femicidios no íntimos, en los que el agresor es un conocido, un vecino, un desconocido o un miembro de redes criminales.
Estos casos pueden estar vinculados a otras formas de violencia como la trata de personas, la explotación sexual, las actividades delictivas o conflictos comunitarios.
En Panamá los casos que llegan a los medios de comunicación suelen incluir narrativas de mujeres que habían anunciado su intención de terminar la relación o que ya se habían separado, pero seguían siendo acosadas y amenazadas por sus exparejas.
femicidio,homicidio,crimen,violencia de género,justicia,escena del crimen,rosa,contorno,víctima,derechos humanos
INTERNACIONAL
Russia linked to arson attacks on properties connected to UK PM Keir Starmer, police say
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Officials on Monday revealed new details about a series of arson attacks targeting properties connected to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, alleging the suspects were recruited and directed by a Russian-speaking handler.
According to police and court reporting, the suspects were promised payment to carry out a coordinated campaign in London in May 2025, including attacks involving a vehicle and two properties linked to Starmer.
A new investigation reported that the handler is believed to be a diplomat trained in information warfare and part of a broader Russian sabotage and disinformation operation directed from Moscow, according to the Kyiv Post.
Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were convicted in connection with the arson plot after Lavrynovych was recruited by a Russian-speaking Telegram handler known as «El Money,» according to police and court reporting. Kyiv Post reported that Carpiuc was also born in Ukraine. A third defendant, Petro Pochynok, 35, was acquitted.
BRITISH POLICE INVESTIGATE FIRE AT PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER’S LONDON HOME
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a meeting on Feb. 24, 2026. (Kin Cheung / POOL / AFP via Getty Images))
According to police, Lavrynovych was recruited through Telegram by a Russian-speaking handler saved in his phone contacts as «El Money,» who allegedly directed him through a series of increasingly serious tasks while promising payment in return.
«Look, you attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain. I’ll send you the money you need to leave the city,» the handler allegedly wrote in one message cited by investigators, according to Kyiv Post.
BRITAIN INTRODUCES SWEEPING NEW POWERS TO TARGET FOREIGN STATE-LINKED GROUPS INCLUDING IRAN’S IRGC
Officials arrest a Ukrainian man who was later found guilty of setting on fire houses linked to U.K. Prime Minister Starmer. (Metropolitan Police)
The handler reportedly offered Lavrynovych Russian citizenship in exchange for carrying out the attacks and frequently voiced support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the outlet. Evidence also suggested that «El Money» was trained in information warfare by propagandists and intelligence operatives, the outlet said.
Investigators added that Russian operatives allegedly coordinated the campaign remotely through social media platforms and Telegram, using fake far-right and Muslim online communities to sow division and fear in the U.K., Kyiv Post said.
The Russian Embassy has reportedly denied any involvement, rejecting «any attempt to associate Russia or its foreign ministry with unlawful activities,» according to the report.
SYNAGOGUE IN LONDON TARGETED IN ATTEMPTED ‘ANTISEMITIC HATE CRIME,’ UK POLICE SAY
Police officers stand outside Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s private home, after it was damaged by fire in a suspected arson attack in north London, Britain, May 13, 2025. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)
According to officials, the three arson attacks occurred over a five-day period in May 2025.
The first attack took place on May 8, when a Toyota vehicle formerly owned by Starmer was set ablaze.
A second fire was set on May 11 at the entrance of a residential property that was managed by a company in which Starmer had previously served as a director and shareholder.
The third attack occurred on May 12 at a house that is owned by the prime minister.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a video conference meeting outside Moscow on April 7, 2026. (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)
«The actions of the two men involved in these arson attacks were incredibly reckless, and it was sheer luck that nobody was killed or injured,» Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said in a statement.
Police said Lavrynovych was arrested on May 13 last year after detectives linked the suspect to the attacks through CCTV footage and phone records indicating he had conducted reconnaissance ahead of the fires.
Authorities said Carpiuc was arrested on May 17 in the departure lounge at Luton Airport moments before boarding a flight to Romania.
ukraine, russia investigation, vladimir putin, counter terrorism, uk politics
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