Republican Sen Cassidy says he’ll vote for Trump’s FBI pick Kash Patel

President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel, has gained support from a key Republican senator on his path to confirmation. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana announced on Tuesday that he would vote to confirm Patel to serve as FBI director for a 10-year term.

Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, expressed his confidence in Patel after speaking with multiple individuals who have worked closely with him. “The ones who worked closely with Kash vouched for him. I will vote for his confirmation,” Cassidy stated.

The Senate recently overcame a procedural hurdle with a party-line 48-45 vote in favor of Patel’s nomination, paving the way for a final vote likely to take place on Thursday. The Senate Judiciary Committee had previously advanced Patel’s nomination in a 12-10 party-line vote, setting the stage for consideration by the full Senate.

During the confirmation process, Patel faced opposition from Senate Democrats, who sought a second confirmation hearing for him. However, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa defended Patel, highlighting his career of fighting for just causes and exposing political bias within the FBI.

Grassley emphasized Patel’s role in uncovering the Crossfire Hurricane investigation and exposing misconduct within the DOJ and FBI. He praised Patel for his dedication to protecting Americans from foreign threats and his support from law enforcement organizations and former federal agents.

Trump nominated Patel in November to replace former FBI Director Chris Wray, whom he accused of weaponizing the agency. Patel’s confirmation hearing last month was marked by clashes with Democrats over his refusal to disclose grand jury testimony and his defense of Jan. 6 rioters.

Despite gaining support from key Republicans like Sen. Cassidy, Patel’s confirmation is not yet assured. Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have not confirmed how they will vote on Patel’s nomination. Both Collins and Murkowski notably opposed the confirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

As Patel’s confirmation process continues, the debate over his suitability to lead the FBI remains contentious. His supporters praise his dedication to uncovering government misconduct, while his critics question his handling of sensitive information and defense of controversial actions. The final vote on Patel’s nomination will be a crucial moment in determining the future leadership of the FBI.