Senate blocks surveillance bill in dispute over Trump’s intelligence pick

Seven Republican senators joined Democrats to block Fisa extension amid disquiet over nomination of Bill Pulte

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Seven Republican senators joined Democrats early on Friday to block the extension of a powerful government surveillance program, a rebuke to Donald Trump for choosing an inexperienced ally as the country’s top intelligence official.

The renewal had been in question amid bipartisan concern over the US president’s appointment of Bill Pulte, a major Republican donor and heir to a home construction fortune, to serve as acting director of national intelligence.