Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton (R-AR) offered little reaction Tuesday to President Trump’s selection of Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting director of national intelligence (DNI).
“We were just made aware of that appointment this morning,” Sen. Thune told reporters, deferring questions to Sen. Cotton. “Obviously, it’s something that if the administration decides to pursue a permanent appointment to that position, it’ll have to come through the Congress and have confirmation hearings and ultimately vote here in the Senate.”
Sen. Cotton declined to comment on Mr. Pulte and noted that Tulsi Gabbard will remain DNI for another four weeks.
“I look forward to implementing last year’s intelligence authorization act with her,” he said.
Asked again about Mr. Pulte, Sen. Cotton responded: “I have no observations on the matter.”
#johnthune #billpulte #timcotton #dni #cspan
GOP leaders mum on Pulte taking over DNI
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