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A Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Kash Patel's nomination to become the FBI director was postponed on Thursday (February 6) after Democrats raised objections. The delay, which will last one week, is not expected to impact Patel's chances of being confirmed. Patel, who has never served as an FBI agent, has faced controversy due to his comments about firing agents and supporting January 6 rioters.
Democrats requested the delay to gather more information on Patel, arguing that he failed to provide essential details for his nomination consideration. In a letter to Republican Chairman Senator Chuck Grassley, Democratic Senators Sheldon Whitehouse, Cory Booker, and Adam Schiff expressed concerns about Patel's refusal to discuss his grand jury testimony related to President Donald Trump's retention of classified documents. They noted that Patel invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, a move they believe warrants further investigation.
Senator Dick Durbin, the committee's top Democrat, emphasized the need for another hearing due to concerns over Patel's testimony and associations with far-right groups like QAnon. Despite these objections, Republicans have shown strong support for Patel's nomination. Senator Grassley praised Patel's career, describing it as a "study in fighting for unpopular but righteous causes."
The committee is expected to vote on Patel's nomination next Thursday (February 13), following the standard one-week hold allowed under Judiciary Committee rules.
