STATEMENT: Gottheimer Statement on FISA 702 Vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, June 11, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement:

“A vote against FISA Section 702 puts American lives at risk — plain and simple. I have been consistent in that view in each vote Congress has taken to reauthorize this critical intelligence tool. FISA 702 is a vital component in our ability to collect intelligence on our enemies around the world. As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I see every day how 702 is used to thwart threats targeting Americans. With the World Cup coming to American and New Jersey soil this week, the ongoing conflict in Iran, and active threats from our enemies, we cannot afford to lose access to this tool. 

I share my colleagues’ outrage over Bill Pulte’s appointment as Director of National Intelligence. He has zero intelligence experience and has no business being anywhere near our nation’s most sensitive secrets. I joined my Intelligence Committee Democratic colleagues in urging the President to rescind his appointment immediately.

I will continue to call for qualified professionals to lead our intelligence agencies. But killing Section 702 doesn’t punish Pulte. It endangers the American people. 

As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I voted yes because this essential tool is too important to sacrifice. I won’t play politics with our national security.”