The U.S. Senate on Thursday confirmed President Donald Trump’s choice of John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA, but Democrats continued to draw out Trump’s nominations of Pete Hegseth to run the Pentagon and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to head up the Department of Homeland Security.
Even before Thursday afternoon’s procedural and final votes approving Ratcliffe by a nearly 3-to-1 margin, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyoming, said there was no doubt he would be confirmed.
“Today, this Senate will confirm John Ratcliffe to be the director of the Central Intelligence Agency,” Barrasso said on the Senate floor.
“This is a win for our national security,” Barrasso added. “Frankly, this should have been done two days ago, but Democrats unnecessarily delayed this important vote.
“John Ratcliffe is undeniably qualified for the job. He is going to lead the CIA without bias and with the safety of the American people being his top priority.”
Later in the day, strong Democratic support propelled Ratcliffe to nearly 75% of the vote in a chamber where Republicans have a slim majority.
Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyoming, voted for Ratcliffe as expected.
For 21 top-level posts in the federal government, Senate rules require up to 30 hours of debate for each nominee unless the parties agree to a shorter length of time. Democrats have not agreed to Republicans’ push for quick votes on some nominees.
A spokeswoman for Barrasso confirmed to Cowboy State Daily that the 30-hour rule applies to the Defense secretary, Homeland Security secretary, director of National Intelligence and others, but not to the CIA director, which requires just two hours of debate. That meant a relatively quick vote on Ratcliffe required no compromise by the Democrats.e
Hegseth Brings A ‘Fresh Set Of Eyes’
Hegseth’s nomination cleared a procedural hurdle in the Senate on Thursday. By a 51-49 vote, the Senate advanced the nomination to set up a final vote later.
In an otherwise party-line vote, Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted against advancing his nomination.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., complained that the final vote on Hegseth is not likely until Friday night because of the 30-hour rule.
Barrasso on Thursday reemphasized his support for Hegseth, saying the Army veteran will promote warfighting capability over wokeness and bureaucracy.
Barrasso said Hegseth brings a “fresh set of eyes” to the Pentagon.
“He’s confident, he’s knowlegeable, and he’s courageous,” Barrasso said.
Democrats, in turn, repeated Thursday their concerns over Hegseth’s drinking and behavior toward women, including adultery and an alleged sexual assault that the nominee denies.
The Democrats also alleged financial mismanagement by Hegseth pertaining to two nonprofit groups he ran, and what they called an overall lack of qualifications and candor.
No votes were taken on Noem.
It was not clear if a procedural vote on Noem would take place Thursday, as the Senate had not adjourned as of 5:30 p.m. Washington time. If she clears the procedural vote as expected, a final confirmation vote would be scheduled.
