US Senate advances Kash Patel’s nomination as FBI director for confirmation vote

The US Senate on Thursday voted to advance Kash Patel's nomination as the FBI director.

The Senate has voted 51-47 to end debate over his nomination, while the final confirmation vote is slated to take place later on Thursday afternoon.

This would place the Indian-American atop the country's premier federal law enforcement agency, despite concerns over his lack of experience as well as loyalty towards US President Trump, which several Democrats warned might threaten the federal agency's independence, Politico reported.


Earlier this month, the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee had voted 12 to 10, to further advance Kash Patel to the full floor for a vote.

The 51-to-47 vote, which is essentially along the party lines, now sets the stage for final vote later in the day, The New York Times reported.

Democrats oppose Kash Patel

Earlier, the Democrats made efforts in the Senate to slow Patel's nomination, but all of it went in vein as they failed to sway their colleagues across the aisle.

The top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee had earlier this month accused Trump's FBI pick of improperly ordering forced departures at the agency even when his name was yet to be confirmed as its director.

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Besides this, some had even raised questions over Patel's financial disclosures. Overcoming these challenges, Patel has easily navigated through the confirmation process.

Senator Susan Collins opposes Kash Patel

While the voting was underway, Senator Susan Collins earlier said that she will voting against Patel, claiming that there was a "compelling need for an FBI director who is decidedly apolitical”.

She added that though Patel has 16 years of dedicated public service, but his "time over the past four years has been characterised by high-profile and aggressive political activity.”

What Kash Patel said?

Speaking about his earlier statements, including an “enemies” list that featured in his book, Government Gangsters, Patel said during his confirmation hearing last month that there will be "no politicisation at the FBI."

“I have no interest, no desire, and will not, if confirmed, go backwards,” The New York Times quoted him as saying.

He added that there will be "retributive actions" taken by the bureau and "no politics" if he becomes the FBI director.

Patel's expected confirmation as the FBI director comes at a time when the Trump administration has been criticised for allegedly moving forward to impose its will on the FBI.

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Several executives at the agency have been forced out ever since Donald Trump took charge as the US President last month. Moreover, his appointees have reportedly demanded names of employees, who investigated the attack on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

FAQs

1. Who is Kash Patel?
Kashyap Pramod Vinod Patel, popularly known as Kash Patel, is a lawyer and former federal prosecutor.


2. What is Kash Patel's education qualification?
Kash Patel has received a degree in History and Criminal Justice from the University of Richmond. He also holds a JD (American equivalent of LLB) from Pace University School of Law.