Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), a key member of the Intelligence Committee, pledged to block a vote confirming President Joe Biden’s pick to lead the National Security Agency and U.S. Cyber Command until he is provided more information about a controversial surveillance practice.
Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh’s nomination had already been blocked since it was sent to the full chamber in July as a result of Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s (R-AL) hold on all military nominations. Haugh currently serves as deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command.
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Wyden announced he will object to Haugh’s nomination until the Defense Department releases information publicly that acknowledges whether the spy agency bought location data and web browsing records of U.S. citizens, information the senator said he had previously received in 2021.
“The American people have a right to know whether the NSA is conducting warrantless domestic surveillance of Americans in a manner that circumvents the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution,” he said in a statement.
Wyden’s statement comes after Tuberville signaled he may be ready to drop his nearly 10-month blockade of military promotions as soon as next week as many Senate Republicans have attempted to find an off-ramp for months, and patience is wearing thin. It also comes as congressional leaders are working to find a path forward on the renewal of a major foreign spying tool of the federal government. A short-term extension of the program will expire at the end of the year.
Wyden, the longtime privacy hawk, introduced legislation early last month that would close loopholes that allow data brokers to sell consumer data to law enforcement and federal agencies.
An official at the Department of Defense said they are “aware” of Wyden’s hold.
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“The Department looks forward to working with Senator Wyden to address his concerns. This position plays a critical role in keeping our country safe, and we look forward to working with the Senate to confirm LTG Haugh, someone with deep experience and knowledge of cyber security, as soon as possible,” the official said in a statement.
Wyden’s action means Gen. Paul Nakasone, head of the NSA and Cyber Command, will continue to serve, although his term is already up.
