What to know about Trump's intel chief pick : NPR

Key Points:

• The confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence has been postponed after President Trump called on Republicans to delay the nomination to pressure the Senate on voting legislation and another nominee's approval.
• Sen. Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, expressed regret over the postponement but affirmed support for Clayton, describing him as a highly qualified nominee.
• Trump tied the reauthorization of the surveillance tool FISA Section 702 to the passage of the GOP's SAVE America ACT, which requires proof of citizenship for voter registration, and demanded the approval of Jamie McDonald as U.S. Attorney before moving forward with Clayton's confirmation.
• Jay Clayton, currently a federal prosecutor and former SEC chairman, was expected to be confirmed quickly to replace acting director Bill Pulte, whose appointment has faced bipartisan criticism due to his lack of intelligence experience and controversial political activity.
• Senators aimed to confirm Clayton swiftly to limit Pulte's tenure, but Trump's late-night social media intervention disrupted the process, highlighting tensions within the Republican Party.