Washington: The US Senate judicial committee voted with party lines to advance Kashi Patel’s nomination as director of the next FBI, despite strong opposition to Democrats and lack of law enforcement leadership experience. Has given
In the vote of 12-10, the committee approved Patel’s nomination, and sent it to the full Senate for the final confirmation vote next week.
Patel, a former Republican -led House Intelligence Committee staff and a prominent figure in the Trump administration, has been scrutinized for his controversial remarks about the FBI. Earlier, he cited FBI investigators as “official bullying” and declared some people involved in the January 6 capital riots as “political prisoners”.
During his hearing, Patel defended his past statements and insisted that he had been wrongly presented out of context. He also denied any involvement in efforts to remove FBI agents investigating the capital attack, which was picked up in a recent letter from the committee’s top Democrat Senator Dick Dorbon. A spokesman for Patel dismissed the allegations as a “second hand gossip”.
Democratic lawmakers strongly opposed Patel’s nomination, and warned that their leadership could give more politics to the FBI when the agency was dealing with important threats to national security.
“The decision is alarmingly flawed,” said Senator Sheldon White House, Senator Sheldon White House. “This is a man who will return to upset the country.”
Senator Dorbon echoed these concerns, saying that Patel’s confirmation could damage the integrity of the FBI and consider his Republican colleagues to consider the wider consequences of his appointment.
However, Republican senators defended Patel and argued that the FBI needed reforms and strong leadership. He criticized him, which he described as the agency’s prejudice in the investigation, especially those involved in Trump.
“The American people are fed up with two levels of justice,” Tennessee’s Senator Marsha Blackburn pointed to the ongoing legal action against Trump.
Patel supporters emphasized their experience in the federal service, including his role as a prosecutor and his visit to the Trump administration as an anti -terrorism official.
“We need someone who sets a new course for the FBI,” said Florida Senator Ashley Moody. “Patel may not hold senior positions within the FBI, but his background makes him the right candidate for this critical moment.”
With the Republican majority in the Senate, Patel is expected to get enough votes for confirmation. If approval is granted, it will take over the FBI leadership during political tensions and national security concerns.
