Maine's Senator Susan Collins has indicated that she is not opposed to the possibility of endorsing Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's nominee for the position of FBI director.
Despite her unfamiliarity with Patel, Collins has expressed her commitment to conducting thorough research before making a decision.
"I dont know Kash Patel, Collins admitted, as reported by Politico. She further elaborated, I had heard his name, but I dont know his background, and Im going to have to do a lot of work before reaching a decision on him. Collins emphasized the importance of a comprehensive review process, stating, In general, Ive found its important to review the background check, the committee work and the public hearing.
Patel, a former federal prosecutor for the Department of Justice and Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense under the previous administration, was nominated by Trump to restore the FBI's reputation, which has been marred by corruption allegations over the past decade. In his announcement of Patel's nomination, Trump praised Patel for his role in debunking the "Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax," and lauded him as an "advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution.
Trump further outlined his expectations for the FBI under Patel's leadership, stating, This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border.
Despite Patel's impressive credentials and the Republicans' significant majority in the Senate, there has been speculation about his potential struggle to secure Senate confirmation. This is largely due to the anticipated resistance from Collins and other Republicans who are not strictly aligned with the party's traditional values, often referred to as RINOs (Republicans In Name Only).
However, Politico's report suggests that Patel's confirmation may not be as uncertain as speculated. Several Republican Senators have expressed optimism about Patel's chances. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the soon-to-be Senate GOP Whip, stated, the president ought to have who he wants serving in his administration.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) revealed his plans to meet with Patel and expressed a "presumptive positive position" over the nomination. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who has previously expressed reservations about other nominees, confidently stated, I do think he will be able to get confirmed, absolutely.
Adding to the chorus of support, Sen. Ted Cruz in an interview with CBS's Face The Nation, expressed his belief in Patel's strength as a nominee. "Listen, I think Kash Patel is a very strong nominee. I think the entire slate of cabinet nominees President Trump has put forward is very strong," Cruz said. He further predicted, "I believe every one of these cabinet nominees is going to be confirmed by the Senate. I think Kash Patel is going to be confirmed by the Senate."
The final decision on Patel's nomination remains to be seen, but the support from key Republican Senators suggests a promising outcome.
Login