National security laws

Dems block passage of intelligence bill

House Democrats on Monday blocked passage of a non-controversial intelligence policy bill, saying that Republicans were rushing to pass it without extensive debate.

The vote was 241 to 163 against passing the intelligence authorization bill, which supports critical national security programs, including those addressing counterterrorism and cyberattacks.

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California said she had no problem with the bill itself, but rather the expedited procedure for approving it. In a letter Pelosi wrote: "This is unacceptable when critical intelligence decisions are being made that impact America's national security and while the House and Senate intelligence committees are leading investigations into Russia's continued efforts to undermine our democracy."