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The U.S. Senate is expected to vote Thursday afternoon on President Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel.
However, one moderate Republican senator has already announced she will vote against Patel: Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.
Collins made her announcement Thursday morning, as she voted against ending debate on Patel’s nomination.
She justified her decision by releasing the following statement:
“The nomination of Kash Patel to serve as Director of the FBI comes to the Senate against the backdrop of recent personnel actions at the Department of Justice, including the resignations of several career federal prosecutors who felt they were being instructed to act in a manner inconsistent with their ethical obligations.
“In addition, a questionnaire has been sent to thousands of FBI employees regarding their involvement in certain investigations. As I have stated previously, these initiatives raise the specter that adverse actions could be taken against FBI employees – including special agents in teh field – who have dedicated their careers to public service and who do not choose their assignments. It is critical that any efforts to promote accountability at the FBI be carefully calibrated and not have the effect of driving away dedicated public servants who keep our country and communities safe.
“In this context, there is a compelling need for an FBI Director who is decidedly apolitical. While Mr. Patel has had 16 years of dedicated public service, his time over the past four years has been characterized by high profile and aggressive political activity. Mr. Patel has made numerous politically charged statements in his book and elsewhere discrediting the work of the FBI, the very institution he has been nominated to lead. These statements, in conjunction with the questionnaire sent to thousands of FBI employees, cast doubt on Mr. Patel’s ability to advance the FBI’s law enforcement mission in a way that is free from the appearance of political motivation.”
“While I strongly support efforts to ensure all federal employees perform their responsibilities ethically and in accordance with the law, Mr. Patel’s recent political profile undermines his ability to serve in the apolitical role of Director of the FBI.
“Therefore, I will vote against his nomination.”
Susan Collins is a NO on Kash Patel pic.twitter.com/CkQMQGlOAr
— Andrew Desiderio (@AndrewDesiderio) February 20, 2025
Collins met with Patel in December, but now she has vowed to oppose his nomination.
I enjoyed meeting with Senator Collins today. She cares deeply about cracking down on organized crime, illegal drugs, and human trafficking in Maine and across the country. I appreciate her diligent work in the advice and consent process. pic.twitter.com/PZYylQV5O1
— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) December 20, 2024
Meanwhile, Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) is definitely on board for Patel’s nomination, announced that the final vote will take place around 1:45 pm ET today.
“Over the last four years the FBI has gone after Catholics, parents and political opponents. Kash will reform the agency and not a moment too soon,” Schmitt wrote.
🚨UPDATE: Final vote to confirm @Kash_Patel is at 1:45pm Eastern TODAY.
Over the last four years the FBI has gone after Catholics, parents and political opponents.
Kash will reform the agency and not a moment too soon. pic.twitter.com/XnO28ct5KH
— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) February 20, 2025
Anticipating that Patel will be confirmed, CIA Director John Ratcliffe shared a photo and wrote, “Playtime is over, @Kash_Patel. Time to get to work 👊🏻👊🏽🇺🇸.”
Playtime is over, @Kash_Patel. Time to get to work 👊🏻👊🏽🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/v58itbS0pI
— John Ratcliffe (@JohnRatcliffe) February 20, 2025
Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) also posted a video in support of Patel.
🚨 UPDATE: @Kash_Patel will be confirmed at 1:45pm ET TODAY.
Let’s talk about Kash’s mission to get the FBI working for the homeland again. pic.twitter.com/c8BbWG3pNm
— Markwayne Mullin (@SenMullin) February 20, 2025
Kash Patel’s nomination has passed through cloture, which limits debate, and brings the full nomination vote to the floor.
Rep Susan Collins is the lone Republican who voted against cloture. pic.twitter.com/F4ROi9lrsg
— Trending Politics (@tpbreaking) February 20, 2025
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